As summer begins, travel on Tennessee’s roadways may increase due to the number of vacationers traveling and students out on break.
As the rate of travel for most people becomes more frequent, the potential for traffic accidents that can result in serious injury or death increases as well.
To help avoid serious traffic accidents, Greg Coleman Law’s trusted car accident attorneys in Knoxville have provided the following safety tips for you to follow to help you and your loved ones stay safe.
Plan Your Trip in Advance
Before you travel to any destination this summer, you should carefully plan your trip and prepare to face any possible scenario.
Tennessee’s roadways and drivers can be unpredictable, and dangerous hazards may appear at any time. You should have a strong understanding of your route and be aware of potential obstacles or high-risk areas, such as sections of road under construction or that are known for heavy traffic.
Drivers should know how long it will take to reach a destination and plan to drive in daylight hours to avoid the risk of driving at night. Also, check the weather forecast for dangerous weather and avoid driving during poor weather.
Service Your Vehicle
You should always make sure your vehicle has been serviced recently and is in good condition before taking a long-distance trip this summer.
Before you leave, consider taking your vehicle into a service shop to perform the following maintenance:
- Rotate your vehicle’s tires, check for proper inflation levels and worn treads
- Inspect the engine, battery, hoses and belts
- Test your vehicle’s headlights, blinker lights and taillights
- Change your vehicle’s oil
- Replace worn or broken windshield wiper blades
- Check your vehicle’s fluid levels, including brake fluid, oil, power steering fluid, coolant and windshield wiper fluid
- Check your vehicle’s air conditioning system and make any necessary repairs
Keep Your Vehicle Well Stocked
In the event of a breakdown, your vehicle should always be well stocked with safety equipment and provisions to hold you and your passengers over until help arrives.
You vehicle’s emergency kit should contain the following items:
- Cellphone and car charger
- First aid kit
- Flashlight and batteries
- Flares
- Jumper cables
- Tire pressure gauge
- Jack for changing tires
- Basic tools and duct tape
- A pair of work gloves
- Nonperishable food
- Drinking water
- Medicine
- Maps
Drive Safe
When you begin your trip, you should always drive safe and follow all rules and traffic laws that apply to the area. This includes:
- Driving within the speed limit
- Using your turn signals when changing lanes
- Keeping your eyes on the road at all times
- Obeying all traffic sings
- Wearing a seat belt and making sure your passengers do as well
- Never driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol
Do Not Drive Distracted
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents in the nation. A driver’s full attention should be focused on the road at all times. Do not engage in the following activities when you are driving:
- Using a cellphone to call or text others
- Eating or drinking
- Conversing with your passengers
- Adjusting your vehicle’s features, like its radio
- Searching or reaching for a lost object
- Focusing on signs or objects along the roadway
- Grooming yourself or applying makeup
- Placing your destination into your GPS system
Drive Defensively
An effective method for preventing car accidents is to always drive defensively. This means you should constantly be aware and ready to react to other drivers’ actions and changing conditions on the road.
We recommend that you use the following defensive driving tips to avoid dangerous traffic collisions:
- Avoid reckless drivers
- Observe the actions of other drivers
- Move out of the way for tailgaters
- Look ahead for upcoming roadway dangers or traffic
- Do not become involved in road rage
- Maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you
- Always have an escape plan
Avoid Drowsy Driving
One of the most common dangers motorists face on long-distance trips is driver fatigue. To avoid an accident caused by drowsy driving, we recommend the following:
- Get plenty of sleep the night before driving
- Pull over to the side of the road and rest if you feel yourself drifting off while driving
- Schedule your driving time during hours you are regularly active and alert
- Do not drive after eating a large or heavy meal
- Set up driving shifts with a passenger to alternate drivers
Contact Our Knoxville Attorneys Today
If you or someone you love was injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver, contact Greg Coleman Law’s personal injury attorneys in Knoxville for a free, no obligation consultation.
Our Knoxville car accident attorneys will review your claim to determine if you are entitled compensation for your damages and losses. We provide our work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only charge you if we recover damages for your claim.
Call (865) 247-0080 to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer.
