Why Accidents Happen on Road Trips and How to Avoid Them
Car accidents can happen at any time, but you might find that the risk increases when you’re on a road trip. Whether you’re heading for a day out or an out-of-state adventure, knowing why road trip accidents occur can help you to avoid them. With this in mind, take a look at these three common causes of road trip accidents:
1. Distracted Driving
The Florida Department Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles estimates that more than 56,000 distracted driver crashes occur in the state each year. When you’re on a road trip, it’s easy to be distracted by new surroundings, in-car music and excitable passengers, so be sure to stay focused on the road if you want to avoid unnecessary and preventable car accidents.
2. Fatigued or Drowsy Driving
If you’re driving for an extended period of time on a road trip, fatigue could increase the risk of an accident occurring. Recent statistics show nearly 4,000 accidents in Florida involved drowsy drivers in just one year but you can minimize this risk of a drowsy driving accident by taking regular breaks and ensuring you get an appropriate amount of sleep on road trip stopovers.
3. Bad Weather Conditions
When you’re taking a road trip to a new area, it’s important to be aware that varying weather conditions can affect road safety. If you’re not used to Florida sunshine, for example, the glare of the sun can be a safety risk when you’re behind the wheel.
The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that 21% of collisions are weather related, so be sure to prepare for different environments when you’re setting off on a road trip and make sure you feel confident driving in a range of different conditions.
What to Do After a Road Trip Crash
No-one wants to be caught up in a car accident but it’s vital that you know how to react if you’re involved in a collision. As well as seeking medical help, for example, you may need to notify the police and inform your insurance company, so don’t forget to carry the contact details of your insurer with you if you’re planning a road trip.
Similarly, you’ll want to get help from a qualified car accident lawyer so you can protect your liability and claim compensation for any injuries you’ve sustained. If another driver contributed or caused the collision, an experienced attorney can help you to claim damages so that you don’t suffer financially.
When you’re on a road trip, dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be tricky but you can ensure you’re prepared for any eventuality by:
- Carrying contact information for roadside assistance services
- Packing a spare portable battery
- Planning your route in advance and identifying emergency stop-off points
- Telling family and friends your plans
By taking steps to prepare for a potential car accident, you’ll be more aware of the risks and, therefore, more likely to avoid them. If the worst does happen, your advanced prep will mean you’re well-equipped to deal with the situation calmly and you’ll find it easy to access the help you need.