Summer is finally upon us which means many of you are packing your cars for your favorite vacation spot. Before you head off on your trip, you should know summer and early fall are the most dangerous seasons to be on the road.
Car Accident Statistics
The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that there are around 37,000 fatalities each year from car accidents. There is higher activity during the summer, especially on weekends. Our Atlanta orthopedic doctors have a few tips for staying safe on the roads.
Get Your Vehicle Serviced
You are much more likely to be involved in an accident if your vehicle isn’t mechanically sound. Before heading off on the road, get your car serviced to be sure the tires, brakes, engine, and other critical components are in proper condition. With your car fixed up, you be able to have ease of mind with you and your family safe from any surprises on the road.
Never Drive While Impaired
Driving while impaired is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the U.S. but do you know what an impaired driver is?
Alcohol and drugs are the two obvious offenders that come to mind, however there are many other situations that can impair your ability to drive. If you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you should never operate a vehicle, this includes prescription drugs.
Many medications cause drowsiness, be sure to read the medicine bottle closely for warnings about operating heavy machinery. Never use your phone while driving, keep your eyes off the screen and on the road where they belong. If you start to feel tired, change drivers or pull off the road to get some sleep to avoid drowsy driving.
Obey Posted Speed Limits
When you exceed the speed limit, you decrease your time to react to hazards in the road and increase the amount of time needed to stop your vehicle.
Speed limits keep us safe, even though it will take you a little longer to reach your destination, it is best to follow them. Is saving a few minutes on your drive really worth the risk to you and your family?
With just these few easy things, you can reduce your risk of sustaining car accident injuries. Our Atlanta orthopedic doctors want you to stay safe this summer by following these tips on your next trip.
Enjoy your summer and have a happy, safe vacation!
