Virginia DMV Highway Safety

If you’re yearning for a summer adventure on the road, you’re not alone. Nearly 100 million Americans plan to take a family vacation in 2019, and summer road trips are high on the list. According to AAA Travel Survey, 53% of vacationers plan to take a road trip this year. Road trips are fun, but they can be stressful if you’re not safely prepared. Traffic-related deaths have gone down over the past few years, but Americans are now driving more miles than in the past, increasing the risks of an auto accident and personal injury.

Traffic Deaths:

2016 – 37,806

2017 – 37,133

2018 – 36,750

Make Time for Maintenance 

It’s far too easy to put-off basic vehicle inspections. We manage busy lives, and the need for repairs seem to only catch up to us when it’s too late. Before you hit the road, make sure you’ve laid the groundwork for a safe, stress-free vacation. Check the following items on your vehicle:

• Tires
• Wiper blades
• Battery
• Fluids
• A/C
• Lights

Pack these items in case your vehicle leaves your stranded: 

• Emergency road kit
• Roadside assistance number
• Phone charger

Drop the Distractions 

Vacations may elicit our adventurous side — our carefree side. Before we focus on the destination, focus on preventing traffic mishaps along the way. Distracted driving is one of the top three causes of auto accidents in the United States. According to a new AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety survey, a majority of drivers admit texting/talking on the phone while driving are extremely dangerous behaviors, yet 41% admit they’ve texted while driving at least once in a month’s time, and 52% admit they’ve talked on a hand-held device while driving. To avoid distractions:

• Set GPS before driving
• Only use your phone in an emergency
• Don’t eat and drive
• Don’t let passengers distract you

Relax! Don’t Drive Recklessly 

We all have our limits, and recharging our body’s “batteries” should be a priority, especially during an extended road trip. Driving drowsy is just as dangerous as driving impaired. If you have a long trip ahead, plan accordingly. Do you need to stop for the night? Can you take turns driving with someone else in the car? In a AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety survey, 27% of drivers admitted they drove drowsy at least once in a span of 30 days. Rest before you risk losing out on a wonderful vacation.

More than 2.7 million people suffered personal injuries in 2017 as a result of auto accidents, according to the National Safety Council. Before you take a road trip, know your rights in case you’re involved in a vehicle accident. A personal injury lawyer will help you seek the compensation you deserve, not the compensation an insurance company deems appropriate.