Five Safe Driving Tips for Summer
Although your summer plans have likely changed due to COVID-19, some families are taking shorter road trips to enjoy the great outdoors while socially distancing. The National Park Service (NPS) website states: “In many areas, people can visit parks, trails, and open spaces as a way to relieve stress, get some fresh air and vitamin D, stay active, and safely connect with members of their household.” NPS recommends checking the park’s website prior to planning a visit to stay up-to-date on its operating status. Before you pack your picnic basket, sunscreen and bag, refer to today’s post for five safe driving tips for summer.
Follow the Speed Limit
Though traffic overall has decreased, speeding is on the rise across the country according to the National Safety Council (NSC). They also report that while roadway deaths are down, “the U.S. has actually seen an increase in the fatality rate per miles driven.” Distracted driving continues to be an issue, adding to the problem.
Avoid Distracted Driving **
** One distraction to be especially careful of while driving is cell phone use, including hands-free calls. NSC reports that “even when talking hands-free, drivers can miss seeing up to half of what’s around them because they are engaged in a cell phone conversation.” Also known as inattention blindness, drivers are looking but not processing everything visible through the windshield.
Don’t Drive While Fatigued or Impaired **
** Be well-rested and alert before getting behind the wheel. NSC found that “driving while drowsy is similar to driving under influence of alcohol.” Your risk of being involved in a car crash increased by three times when you drive drowsy. Driving while impaired must be avoided, and there are plenty of safe alternatives such as using a ride-share or having a designated driver. NSC reports that “drivers with alcohol concentrations at or above 0.08 have remained involved in about one-third of all traffic fatalities in the U.S.”
Keep Children Safe **
** Review NSC’s Child Passenger Safety resources and have your child’s car seat checked for safety. Children through the age of 12 should be riding in the back seat. Rear-facing restraint devices are recommended for children through the age of 2. If you are a parent of a teen, the time spent going through the DriveitHOME presentation together is well worth it.
Be Aware of Vehicle Recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates around 53 million vehicles are being driven with unresolved safety recalls. The consequences for drivers and passengers can be quite serious. A simple visit to www.checktoprotect.org is fast and free.
We Are Here to Help
Contact our personal injury firm if you or a family member has been injured in an auto accident in South Carolina. We offer a free consultation and 24-hour answering service. We have five convenient locations, with three South Carolina locations being fully staffed with full-time attorneys and experienced support staff, or we can meet you at your home or hospital, with evening and weekend appointments available. Call John Price Law Firm, LLC at (843) 604-3814.
Additional Resources:
https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/public-health-update.htm
https://www.nsc.org/road-safety/tools-resources/newsletters/focus-on-the-drive?utm_campaign=Driving+Safety+DDC&utm_source=adwords&utm_term=drive%20safe&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_cam=243719679&hsa_ad=375417742706&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_acc=3965156914&hsa_grp=76806304997&hsa_tgt=kwd-108922005&hsa_ver=3&hsa_src=g&hsa_kw=drive%20safe&hsa_mt=b&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkbPmhPeD6gIVJIVaBR3lmwKvEAAYAyAAEgIVPfD_BwE
https://www.nsc.org/road-safety/safety-topics/child-passenger-safety
https://www.nsc.org/driveithome/resources/driveithome-presentation
https://www.checktoprotect.org/