Have a Safer Road Trip This Summer

The state of Colorado has at least ten unforgettable road trip routes available. That’s according to Matador, the world’s self-proclaimed largest independent traveler network, which boasts 12 million monthly online visitors and contributors.

We at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., absolutely agree with them.

Have a Safer Road Trip This SummerA road trip is a great way to spend your vacation: what better than driving across the country to see new sights and meet interesting people? And when summer fades into fall, that just makes things more colorful.

After all, traveling in the summer is much safer than hitting the road in winter, right? Actually, the answer is no.

Summer Brings Unique Road Hazards

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shows that in 2013, August had the highest number of fatal car crashes, more than any other month that year.

When it comes to traffic accidents, summer driving exceeds winter driving for a number of reasons:

  • More teenage drivers: School’s out for summer, so there are more teens on the roads. Unfortunately, this means more danger due to their lack of driving experience.
  • More road traffic: It’s vacation time and everyone wants to get to their destinations, so there’s always more traffic on the road this time of year. Congestion makes driving more difficult, and there is a greater potential for road rage incidents.
  • More bicycles and motorcycles. Since the weather is warmer, it encourages more bicyclists and motorcyclists to hit the road. Driving alongside these vehicles increases the chance of a serious wreck.
  • Road construction: The summer months are popular for road maintenance and construction. This increases the risk of traffic accidents.
  • Tire blow-outs: Hot weather is not kind to your tires. Summer temperatures can expand the air inside them. If your tires are well-worn, this can lead to a blow-out.

Tips for a Safer Road Trip

If you are driving to your vacation this summer, here are some simple tips we recommend in order to stay safe:

  • Tune up for your trip: Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy and can go the distance.
  • Sleep tight before your trip: Have a good night’s sleep before you hit the road. Fatigued driving is responsible for slowed reaction times, blurred vision, and many preventable crashes.
  • Stay smart in the sun: Use sunglasses for visibility. And don’t let your vehicle become overheated—injuries such as heat stroke can kill.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident, you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injuries. Call our legal team at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., at (719) 475-2555. There is no obligation, and the consultation is free. We have extensive experience handling cases of pure comparative negligence, and we are dedicated to helping you attain the justice you deserve.