Spring break is just around the corner, and that means plenty of college students will be rushing to get to the nearest beach, families will be heading out on road trips, and everyday drivers will be trying to get to-and-back from work safely. During this time of year, highways can become more congested as drivers from all walks of life will be out on the roads.
Unfortunately, Spring Break is also one of the most dangerous times for “Spring Break” counties that draw in more crowds. A 2015 study published in the Economic Inquiry found that fatal traffic accidents jumped by nearly 10% in certain regions, with a significant proportion of these accidents involving out-of-state drivers. These are troubling statistics for students and families who are planning to travel outside of the state in the next few weeks.
Your dedicated team of New Orleans lawyers at Cardone Law Firm want to make sure you are able to enjoy this spring break safely. While you can’t control the actions of other drivers on the road, you can take proper precautions to be a safe driver yourself by following these top seven driving tips.
Stay Safe in Louisiana and the Rest of the Gulf Coast with These Tips
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- Never drink and drive. With hundreds of drivers on the road, drinking and driving not only puts you and your passengers in harm’s way, it also puts the lives of fellow motorists at risk. If you are going to drink during Spring Break, DO NOT drive. Using a cab, Uber, or Lyft can save your life and the lives of others.This also includes planning ahead if you are going out for a night on the town with friends. Decide who the designated driver is going to be, and make a plan on how you all will get there and back safely.
- Know your route beforehand. During Spring Break, you may be traveling with friends or family to a city or region you have never been to. You’ll want to have your route mapped out beforehand and programmed into your GPS. However, you’ll also want a traditional map on hand just in case your GPS gives out in the middle of your trip (or doesn’t have signal).Remember to keep your eyes on the road while driving instead of engaging with a map or GPS. You can have another passenger handle navigation.Once you have arrived at your destination, get to know the part of town you’ll be staying around, what areas to avoid, and get a solid understanding of how to get back to your hotel room from tourist areas.
- Check your car. If you’ll be taking a long road trip, make sure to inspect your car to ensure it’s safe for a long haul. Tires should be properly inflated with plenty of tread available, fluids should be at their proper levels, brakes should be working properly, windshield wipers should be up to any challenge, and oil levels should be adequate. The last thing you’ll want on a long road trip is to deal with a mechanical malfunction that could have been detected and handled beforehand with a simple inspection.
- Keep an emergency road kit in your car. Emergency roadside kits are always helpful to have on hand. A few of the most important items to have in one include:
- Jumper cables
- Flashlights
- Extra batteries
- Extra food and water
- First aid kit
- Cell phone car charger
- Flares
- Reflective warning triangles
- Blankets
- Properly inflated spare tire
- Jack
When traveling on a lengthy trip, keep these items in your trunk just in case you need them.
- Travel in a group and rotate drivers. If possible, travel with a group of friends. Having additional passengers who can drive allows everyone the opportunity to take a break and re-energize. Rotate drivers as needed.
- Friends don’t allow friends to drink and drive. Being responsible sometimes means taking care of intoxicated friends and making sure they stay off the road as well. If you have noticed a friend binging on alcoholic drinks all night, offer to give them a ride (if you haven’t been drinking) or share a Lyft/Uber with them. You’ll be keeping a friend safe and innocent people free from harm.
- Keep an eye out for bad weather. Spring Break can definitely be an exciting time, and you may be eager to hit the road ASAP. But don’t put yourself in a bad situation by traveling in terrible weather, especially during the spring which can bring heavy showers. Plan ahead for bad weather, and drive safely in poor road conditions (i.e. construction areas). Pay attention to road signs, and always follow the speed limit.
Stay safe this Spring Break with these tips from your personal injury lawyers at Cardone Law Firm.
Unfortunately, we know from firsthand experience that being the safest driver on the road doesn’t guarantee an accident-free Spring Break. If you or a loved one has suffered a devastating car wreck because of a negligent driver, then look to the dependable New Orleans car accident attorneys of Cardone Law Firm.
- Read more about auto accident law.
Our attorneys will be there for you every step of the way to ensure you obtain the recompense your case warrants. Contact us today at (504) 522-3333 for a free consultation.