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The summer season always means taking more vacations with friends and family. In light of the current climate, many people who do plan to travel will likely opt for road trips as opposed to plane rides. Not only will there be more vehicles on the road, but summer holidays like the Fourth of July and Labor Day can lead to more drunk drivers. Be sure to check out these 5 road safety tips during summer holidays this year.
Get your vehicle ready for long car rides
If you’re headed out of town for a long trip, it’s always a good idea to give your car a good check-up first. Make sure fluid levels and tire pressure are where they need to be. You can also pack an emergency bag in case anything happens while on the road. Jumper cables, a spare tire and jack, reflectors, blankets, and water are all great items to have on hand.
Always maintain a generous following distance
When there are more drivers on the road—particularly during holiday weekends—it’s smart to maintain a generous distance between you and other drivers. One of the most common causes of car accidents is getting hit by a drunk driver. You may be a great driver yourself, but when others on the road are driving aggressively or have been drinking alcohol, your only defense is your own caution and awareness.
Practice extra caution at intersections
In many cases, accidents involving drunk drivers happen at intersections where the driver fails to stop. Remain cautious and look in both directions as you pass through stop lights and stop signs.
Avoid driving late at night
If possible, avoid driving late at night—especially on the weekends. More accidents take place during these times because this is typically when impaired drivers are on the roads. If you do need to drive late at night, use even more caution than normal.
Stay alert at all times, especially during holiday weekends
While many impaired drivers are typically behind the wheel late at night, summer holidays often mean drunk drivers are out and about during the day. While many people are drinking at beaches and pools, they may opt to drive earlier than normal after a full day of drinking. Overall, the most important thing you can do during summer holidays is to remain alert at all times while driving.
A Final Note
If you do find yourself in an accident, reach out for help as soon as possible. Take action as soon as you’re able to in order to ensure you receive the help that you need.
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