The Labor Day weekend is a time when people try to get in one last trip during the beautiful summer weather. High traffic on this three-day holiday puts drivers at an increased risk of being involved in an accident.
Drivers should do their own part to help keep the road safe. Even if you are driving in the safest manner possible, there is a still a chance that you will be hit by another vehicle. Here are some tips that might help you get to your destination without issue:
Get your car ready
You must ensure that your car is ready for the trip. Check to see if the tires, fluids and brakes are all in good condition. When any of these aren’t in proper order, there is a chance that you might end up causing a crash that could have been avoided. Plus, you don’t need to end up stranded on the side of the road due to a blowout or some other issue that could have been prevented.
Take your time
Trying to rush from point A to point B is likely going to cause you to take unnecessary risks. Instead of leaving at the last second possible, make it a point to leave a little earlier. It is better to arrive early without any issues than to drive fast because you are cutting it too close.
Drive sober and alert
Remaining sober and alert while you drive is critical. You shouldn’t drive if you are too tired or if you find yourself nodding off or zoning out. Make sure you haven’t had any alcohol or any medications that will impair your ability to drive. Don’t let things in the vehicle or outside distract you from driving.
Watch other drivers
Just because you are prepared to drive doesn’t mean that others are. Watch for signs of impaired, distracted and fatigued drivers around you. They might swerve in and out of lanes, stop suddenly, drive at unsafe speeds and fail to use a turn signal when necessary.
If you see a driver who is driving in an unsafe manner, do your best to stay away from that driver. Contacting the police might be in order. However, don’t use your phone while you are driving. Pull over to make the call, or, if there is a passenger with you, have him or her make the call.
Since car wrecks are bound to happen on this holiday weekend, be prepared to handle things if you are involved in one. Check for injuries, alert the authorities, gather the information from the other driver and any witnesses, and be careful about what you say after the crash. You don’t want to admit that you are at fault for the crash, even if it is done inadvertently.