Parents lather their toddlers in sunscreen and retired couples book beach condos. College students, free from school for a few months, set off on cross-country adventures. Summer has returned.
Nearly 196 million people — over 75% of all American adults — said they plan to take a road trip this summer, according to a survey from The Vacationer. While some folks will travel only a few cities away, others will drive thousands of miles.
Over the years, I have represented people who suffered injuries or lost loved ones in accidents because they weren’t prepared for their trip. In one case, a client’s van broke down and lost power. Unfortunately, he did not have a flashlight, road flares or triangles to put out. His vehicle was virtually invisible in the darkness.
Along came a semi-driver. He was fatigued, not paying proper attention, and didn’t see the van until he plowed into its rear. My client suffered a mild traumatic brain injury. A lower-body injury resulted in the amputation of one of his legs.
Although the collision was partially caused by the distracted trucker, it is possible that my client could have avoided the situation by maintaining his van before the trip and carrying flares or emergency flashers with him.
Every person on the road this summer, regardless of their distance from home or travel experience, should be prepared for dangerous situations. There are steps you can take before and during travel to avoid threats to your safety.
IN THE DRIVEWAY: SAFETY PREP
Before leaving your house, check to make sure your vehicle is in good shape. The engine oil may need changed or refilled. Make sure your air conditioning works. The pesky tire that you keep adding air to? Take the time to check that, and change it if it’s damaged. Risking tire trouble on an interstate isn’t worth it.
Before your vacation, you can help prevent hydroplaning during rain by checking your tires’ tread depth and inflating them to the correct air pressure level. If your tires are worn out or underinflated, you are more likely to lose control of your vehicle when it rains. Replace your tires if needed. Fill them up. You’ll be glad you did.
STOCK THE CAR
Before setting out, you made sure to load your suitcases into the trunk. If you have kids, you probably tossed some toys or iPads into the backseat. We recommend you stock your vehicle with a few more things, just in case. If the worst-case scenario occurs, preparation could save you and your loved ones’ lives.
Here are safety materials to look for during pre-trip shopping:
- Flashlights or roadside flares
- Jumper cables
- Seatbelt cutter
- Window breaker
- First aid kit
- Dog seat belt
Consider carrying bottled water, a blanket, some snacks and a paper map with you as well.
ON THE ROAD: KEEPING EVERYONE SAFE
It should go without saying that texting while driving is dangerous, illegal and often deadly. Cell phone use beyond texting (using navigation apps, for example) can be just as distracting. In a previous blog post, we examined the laws and dangers surrounding the use of cell phones while operating vehicles. As we discussed in that article, even hands-free devices distract drivers and can slow response time and impair judgment.
We encourage sleep-deprived drivers not to operate their vehicles. Although it’s not illegal to drive while tired, exhaustion can impair your cognitive abilities similarly to alcohol or drugs.
Beyond being aware and attentive, you can practice defensive driving while you’re traveling. Thousands of the cases we have handled at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC were caused by large truck drivers’ negligence. In my book, “Semitruck Wreck,” I discuss methamphetamine use, as well as sleep deprivation and sleep disorders among truck drivers.
Defensive driving might include awareness of other vehicles on the road, preparedness to brake or avoid collisions, or keeping your distance in traffic.
DRIVING DURING THUNDERSTORM SEASON
Severe weather — including but not limited to thunderstorms, tornadoes, floods and wind — is something drivers should look out for.
Thunderstorm and tornado seasons in the United States fall during spring and summer months. Hazardous conditions resulting from severe weather cause millions of vehicle crashes each year. In fact, weather-related crashes kill more people than the severe weather events themselves, according to The Weather Channel.
When you’re making the long haul from Indiana to Florida, driving for several hours on end and anxious to get to better weather, it can be tempting to try to “push through” bad conditions. The consequences can be deadly.
In the United States, flooding hits its peak from late April to mid-September — just as countless American families take to the interstates to search for sunshine. During this period, 75% of flash flood reports occur, according to The Weather Channel.
As little as 0.3 centimeters of water on the road can cause vehicles to hydroplane. When it is raining, the water can act as a barrier between your tires and the ground, causing you to temporarily lose control of your car.
If you encounter storms, it’s best to use windshield wipers and headlights, reduce your speed and, if necessary, pull off the road and wait out the storm at a safe area.
MAKING IT HOME SAFELY
Summer vacation is a great time for families to spend time together and make memories. Unfortunately, traveling can be risky. We hope that, after reading this article, your biggest takeaway is to think, prepare and plan before you drive. Your safety and well-being matter to us.
If you are injured by a distracted truck driver, contact Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC for a free consultation.
David W. Craig sits on the Board of Regents of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (which requires the board certification in truck accident law). He is the managing partner, as well as one of the founding partners of the law firm of Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC. He is also recognized as a Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer and Top 100 Trial Lawyer in Indiana by the National Trial Lawyers. David is the author of Semitruck Wreck, A Guide for Victims and Their Families, written to help victims and their families as they navigate through a terrible situation and answers the host of questions that come after a tragic wreck. He is also the host of the podcast After the Crash, where you can gain valuable information about the dangers involving semis and large trucks that do not follow Indiana law safety protocol on roads regarding speed, weather conditions, maintenance upkeep, etc.
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