Summer Travel During a Pandemic
With Fourth of July celebrations having come and gone, there is no doubt about it—summer is in full swing. And the holiday weekend proved that Americans all over the country are getting out of the house and hitting the road to spend time with friends and family. As COVID-19-related restrictions begin to ease, traffic is rapidly increasing to its pre-pandemic numbers. Unfortunately, so are car accidents.
It’s simple math—with more cars on the road, there are more accidents. Although high-density events such as concerts and festivals remain on hold, more and more families are camping, taking cross-country drives, and visiting lakes, mountains, and beaches across the country.
Safety Tips to Avoid Car Accidents
If you decide to venture away from home this summer, you will be sharing the road with many other vehicles. Taking steps to avoid car accidents is always a good idea, but car accidents during a pandemic bring their own set of problems.
If you crash on a back road, for example, people may be more hesitant than usual to offer help before the paramedics arrive.
Follow the tips below to avoid car accidents this summer and to stay safe.
- Prepare your vehicle beforehand. Check brakes, oil, car battery and tire pressure before hitting the road.
- Put together an emergency kit. Include masks, hand sanitizer, bottles of water, snacks, a portable cell phone charger with a fully-charged battery, flashlight, road flares, , and a blanket.
- Do not text, talk on the phone, or engage in any other form of distraction while driving.
- Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicles around you.
- Take rest breaks on long drives.
- Observe speed limits.
- Always wear your seat belt.
- Do not drive after consuming any amount of alcohol.
Emphasis on Distracted Driving
With distracted driving continuing to be one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents in the country, the legal team at Kreizer Law wants to emphasize the importance of avoiding this disturbingly common and deadly mistake.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving was involved in the deaths of 2,841 people in 2018 alone.
- Before you text and drive, STOP.
- THINK about the consequences,
- GO make the best decision
What to Do if an Accident Occurs
If despite your best efforts, you are involved in a car accident, the tips below will help you stay safe, protect your rights, and recover damages if the accident was caused by another’s negligence.
- Remain at the scene of the accident and protect the area with flares if you have them. Otherwise, keep your flashers on and/or place an illuminated flashlight on the road next to the car.
- Call the police. Filing an official report with police can be of immense value if you decide to bring an injury lawsuit against the other party.
- Take pictures of any visible injuries or property damage, as well as any contributing factors, such as a stop sign that was blocked by a tree, or skid marks on the road.
- If you are injured, seek immediate medical attention. Beyond just protecting your health and safety, a medical record can help if you decide to file an injury claim.
Special Considerations for COVID-19
In addition to reducing your risk of a car accident this summer, you can reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 by vacationing in places that are not as heavily visited, avoiding crowds, wearing a mask when out in public, and washing your hands or using hand sanitizer frequently.
Contact Kreizer Law Today
If you have been injured in a car accident due to another’s negligence, the skilled legal team at Kreizer Law can help. We have successfully represented countless accident and injury victims across New Jersey and New York, and we have an impressive track record of obtaining substantial results for our clients.
As the country opens back up and more cars hit the road, the number of motor vehicle accidents will inevitably rise. By following the tips above, you can lessen your risk and be better prepared to deal with an accident if one occurs. If you have been injured, we can help.
Contact us at 1-(800)-4-JUSTICE ® – 1-(800)-458-7842 or online at Kreizerlaw.com today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.
