Stay Safe on Maryland’s Roads This Summer by Following These Tips

The summer season is finally upon us in Maryland and the temperatures are starting to reflect the change in seasons. You might have noticed an increase in traffic volume when commuting to and from work. With more and more people getting the Coronavirus vaccine and states opening up, travel has increased dramatically from the middle of the pandemic.

If you are going to hit the open road this summer, or you are playing it close to the vest and staying in Maryland for your vacation, you need to do everything possible to stay safe on the roads. You are only as safe as the driver next to you, but you can still take safety into your own hands when you get behind the wheel in order to avoid a car accident.

Run through this checklist before going out on the open road

The smartest thing you can do for your safety is to run through a vehicle checklist prior to hitting the open road. You need to conduct a thorough inspection of your vehicle to ensure that there are no glaring issues prior to departure. If your vehicle will be due for an oil change or new tires while you are away, it’s in your best interest to have this work performed before you leave the comfort of home. You will also want to review the following:

• Inspect the belts, pressure caps, radiator, and hoses to ensure they are in working order and have no rust, cracks, blisters, or cuts
• Check all of the vehicle’s fluid levels, including the oil, windshield wiper fluid, coolant, power steering, and automatic transmission
• Check the air pressure of every tire, including the spare, and add air where it’s needed
• Replace broken or old wiper blades
• Inspect the battery cables and battery life
• Inspect the brake pads and replace them if they are worn down
• Test all of the vehicle’s lights to ensure they are properly working and replace any burnt-out bulbs
• Make sure your vehicle has no active recalls

Place an emergency kit in the vehicle

Every vehicle you own should have an emergency kit in it all year long, not just when you are going on a long road trip. The emergency kit should have all of the following items:

• A flashlight
• Jumper cables
• A first aid kit
• Towels, blankets, and gloves
• A spare tire
• A cell phone charger
• Road flares, a hazard triangle, and a distress sign that is made of bright colors
• Non-perishable and high-calorie food
• Water for your family and the vehicle’s radiator
• Wrenches and screwdrivers

Tailor the emergency kit to the weather in Maryland or the weather where you will be traveling. Include items that you know your family will need (medicines, drinks, snacks, etc) so that their health needs are met in the event that you break down or are involved in a car accident.

Restrain children and pets to keep them safe

Children should always be properly restrained in a vehicle (car seat, booster seat, etc). If they are old enough not to be in a booster seat, make sure that they and everyone else in the vehicle have their seat belt on at all times.

Pets should be secured in the back seat or the very rear of the vehicle. Pets can travel in their crates or in seat belts made especially for them. Pets and children should never travel in the front passenger seat or on the lap of the driver or passenger.

Never leave children or pets alone in a vehicle. An adult should always stay with them in order to avoid heatstroke or someone inadvertently putting the vehicle into drive.

Plan your route of travel ahead of time

Plan the route you will take for your trip ahead of time. Doing so allows you to become familiar with the road names and route numbers. It also allows you the opportunity to learn alternate routes should you come across an accident or a construction zone once you are on the road. Planning the route ahead of time can help you determine where you will stop for meals, use the restroom, and where to sleep when it’s time to get some rest.

Force yourself to be a defensive driver

The safest drivers on the roads are defensive drivers. You don’t want to get caught in a situation where you have to react to what is happening around you. Instead, you want to learn how to anticipate what will happen when other drivers are speeding, tailgating, weaving between lanes, and using their phones while driving.

Make sure you are alert, rested, and not distracted when driving this summer. The more focus you put on the road around you, the less likely it is that you will be involved in a Maryland car accident.

Increase your following distance as much as possible. Leave multiple car lengths between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. If someone is tailgating you, move to another lane, or exit the road and find a different route to take.

Being a good defensive driver also includes monitoring the weather forecast. There’s no rush to get where you are going, which means you shouldn’t travel when the weather is bad. Heavy, blinding rain can make it impossible to see what is unfolding in front of your vehicle. Fog, high winds, and lightning can make driving nearly impossible. Defensive drivers know their limits and when they should pull off the road to a safe location to wait out a storm.

Were you injured in a Maryland car accident? This is no way to start your vacation. The experienced team of personal injury attorneys at Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A., understands how stressful an injury can be for you and your family. Call us today at 410-730-7737 or complete the contact form on our website to schedule a consultation at one of our many offices throughout Maryland.