Spring break vacation is coming up for students throughout the greater Atlanta region and for a few weeks, our streets will be more congested than usual. College students will be heading out for vacation while families leave town to visit friends and relatives. Unfortunately, spring break represents one of the most dangerous times of the year for travelers due to distracted and drunk drivers. .
Safe Driving Tips For Spring Break
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that car accidents increase by 10 percent during spring break. Because of this, AICA Orthopedics wants to make sure that students and families throughout the community enjoy their vacations safely. Although you can’t dictate the behavior of others, you can take preventative actions that help you avoid getting hurt this year.
Do Not Drink and Drive
With thousands of additional drivers traveling during spring break, drinking and driving create significant risk for everyone on the road. If you know that you and your friends will be drinking alcohol, plan ahead and allow a professional driving service to bring you to your destination. Taxis and companies like Uber are affordable and ensure that everyone has a safe night out.
Inspect Your Vehicle Ahead of A Long Trip
If you are traveling long distances with friends or family, bring your vehicle to a local, AAA certified mechanic for an inspection. Ask them to make sure your tires are inflated, all of your fluids are filled up, the oil is changed, and that your brakes are in great condition. A mechanical malfunction that causes a breakdown can be prevented with a brief inspection and reviewing the status of your vehicle before heading out can save you from having to deal with significant problems later on.
Share Driving Responsibilities With Others
If your destination takes a few days to arrive to and you are traveling with others, consider sharing the responsibility of driving with them. Even if you do not feel tired, it’s recommended to switch drivers every three or four hours to prevent an accident. With a group of passengers traveling with you, you shouldn’t have to stress about driving fatigued.
Watch Out For Potholes
The winter season causes plenty of road damage that is exacerbated by spring’s rainstorms. Potholes are a common, serious issue that can damage your vehicle’s suspension, rims, and tires so it’s imperative to drive slowly when experiencing poor road conditions.
Travel With an Emergency Kit
You should never travel long distances without an emergency road kit packed in your vehicle. Some of the items should include in your kit include:
- Jumper cables
- Two flashlights
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Cellphone car charger
- Two blankets
- Roadside flares
- Reflective vests
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Car battery charger
- Map
Keeping these items in your vehicle when traveling ensures your safety and health are preserved in case of an emergency.