Summer is here, and the open road beckons. The summer months are a peak time for vacations, trips to the beach, family visits — and car accidents.

While it’s true that statistically, higher road congestion leads to more vehicle crashes,  summer car accidents can be prevented. Check out our five summer driving tips.

1. Stay Focused on the Road

This one may seem obvious, but distracted driving is the #1 reason for car accidents across the United States. A split-second of inattention can cause you to miss a swerving vehicle or an area of road construction. Keep your eyes on the road and use these tips to stay focused on driving:

• Restrict any phone use while driving (even legal use with hands-free accessories)
• Preprogram your GPS so you don’t have to map while driving and, ideally, have a front-seat passenger serve as a copilot
• Pull over for coffee and snacks rather than eating behind the wheel
• Plan for stops to refresh and stretch your legs during long drives
• Avoid driving when you’re too tired

2. Prepare in Advance if You’re Traveling With Children

Sibling fights or tantrums in the back seat can drive anyone crazy. Proper planning before long drives with children will help you keep your eyes on the road and avoid summer car accidents. If you’re traveling across the state with your kids, make sure you:

• Make enough stops in places where your children can step out of the car, use the bathroom, and release some energy.
• Stock up on bottled water and healthy snacks, but avoid letting your children eat in the back seat because of choking danger.
• Bring games or toys to keep kids busy, or let them watch a movie.

3. Check Your Vehicle’s Condition

When you set out on a road trip, you don’t want to find yourself stuck on the road shoulder in the middle of nowhere — or worse, lose control of your vehicle.

Ensure your car is in good shape before you depart. Complete any servicing and check your:

• Tire wear and pressure
• Oil, brake, and transmission fluids
• Windshield wipers
• Lights and electrical components
• Cooling system

4. Drive Defensively

A few simple precautions behind the wheel can save lives. Stay alert to road dynamics and reduce your chances of summer car accidents with these tips:

• Slow down as long as you’re not impeding traffic flow.
• Steer clear of speeding or reckless drivers.
• Always use your blinkers when you turn or change lanes.
• Keep out of blind spots of trucks and other large vehicles.
• Pay extra attention to motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians, who will use the roads more frequently during the summer.

5. Be Mindful of the Weather

Although you won’t encounter icy roads on your July trip, summer weather can impact driving in other ways. Make sure you:

• Wear sunglasses or flip down your visor if you’re driving with the sun in your face.
• Slow down and drive extra carefully if rain catches you on the road.
• Pay attention to tree limbs and other debris on the road when driving after a major storm.

Did Your Summer Road Trip End in an Accident? Call the Law Offices of James A. Welcome

Even if you do all you can to prevent summer car accidents, vehicle crashes may still occur. If you suffer a car accident in Connecticut, contact our skilled legal team at the Law Offices of James A. Welcome. In almost two decades of legal practice, we have won millions on behalf of injured drivers and their families in Connecticut.

Call 203-753-7300 or contact us online for a free consultation with a Connecticut personal injury lawyer.