During summer vacation period, both highways and regular roads tend to have unusually heavy traffic. Before hitting the road, please consider the following driving tips for a safer trip:
Prepare a safe driving:
- Prepare the vehicle by checking motor oil and cooling water levels, tyre pressures (including spare tyres), the jack and tools.
- Take your time to adjust the seat and mirrors.
- Plan your route and include time to pull over for breaks, snacks or longer phone calls.
While driving:
- Concentrate on the driving. Don’t do multitasking. Use your phone only if it is really necessary and always in hands-free mode. Drive under the maximum speed limit – driving faster reduces your reaction time and increases the severity of an accident.
- Follow a defensive style of driving. Always be aware of other drivers around you and prepare for the unexpected. Never “push” the slower one in front of you by getting too close, keep the 2-second distance from the car in front of you and increase it to 4 seconds in heavy rain. Be aware when you change lanes.
- Have items needed within easy reach – such as toll fees, passes. Don’t try to retrieve items that fall to the floor, wait until you stop.
- Always keep your gas level above ¼, in case you stuck in a highway jam.
- Don’t allow children to fight or climb around in the car. Too much noise can distract you. They should be always buckled in their seats.
- Avoid driving when you are tired.
In case involved in an accident:
If you are in an accident, first make sure no one is injured in your car. Then check the passengers in the other vehicle(s) involved to make sure they are fine. Then do the following:
- Call local emergency services immediately. They will dispatch ambulance and/or police if needed. Wait for them to complete the accident report.
- Stay at the scene. Leaving could result in legal consequences.
- All should stay inside the vehicle. It is safer to wait for emergency personnel while sitting in your car on a road with lots of traffic.
- Stay calm and don’t fight with other drivers involved in the accident. Exchange information for insurance purpose and if possible also get contact details of witnesses.
- Contact your insurance provider.
ThePrivateCase is wishing you a safe journey!
