When you step outside, it may still feel like summer. However, with the children heading back to school, you know that fall is almost upon us. It seems like one minute you are sipping cold brew coffee in 90-degree temperatures and the next you are hunting down back to school bargains and counting down the days until the return of the pumpkin spice latte. With fall almost upon us, it makes you wonder “where did summer go?” You may even feel the urge to get in one last hurrah before it is officially fall. Thankfully, Labor Day often serves as a great three-day weekend to hit the road. But before you pack up the kids and the dog to get out of town, remember to take a minute to brush up on basic driving safety tips. While it may seem elementary, it never hurts to review basic driving safety tips. The following are a few that every driver should know:
Before heading out:
- Perform a basic check to make sure tires are the correct pressure and the gas tank is full.
- Make sure that the mirrors and seat are properly adjusted.
- Check that children are properly restrained in a car seat, booster, or lap belt, depending on their height and weight.
Always drive rested and sober.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- If you are taking a new prescription or over the counter medication that is known to cause drowsiness or impact motor abilities be sure you know how the drug affects you prior to getting behind the wheel.
- On long trips, plan to stop at least every two hours to stretch your legs and give your eyes a rest from driving.
Eliminate distractions behind the wheel
- Always try to keep your focus on the task at hand, which means keep your hands on the wheel, your eyes on the road, and your mind on driving.
- If you need to eat, do so while parked, not while driving.
- Do not read or respond to text messages. If you cannot resist the urge to read the message, pullover.
- If you receive a phone call do not answer it. Prior to beginning your trip, put your passenger in charge of answering your calls or place your phone on do not disturb mode.
- Believe it or not, children can be a driving distraction. For example, if a child drops his or her toy you may be tempted to retrieve the item for them. But contorting yourself while driving is not safe. Make it a rule that if you drop something it is gone until the next stop. Children fighting can also become distracting for a driver. Do not attempt to referee while behind the wheel.
Drive defensively
- Keep an eye out for drivers who may be under the influence of drugs or who are driving drowsy or distracted.
- Always be on the lookout for motorcycles, pedestrians, children, and animals who may dart into the road.
If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries after being involved in an auto accident the experienced Personal Injury Attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. can help. Our team of seasoned Kansas City Personal Injury Attorneys will work hard to make sure that you receive proper compensation for your injuries. Trust the Personal Injury Attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. to help you, just as they have helped countless injured victims around the area, both in Missouri and Kansas. To find out how the attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. can help you, contact our office today at (816) 472-4673 to schedule a consultation. At Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. we strive to provide injury victims with exceptional legal services.