Learn how to enjoy your summer vacation safely. Learn useful tips for planning a trip with no issues along the road and how to avoid traffic accidents.
Are you ready for your summer vacation and do you plan to travel on the highway? Did you know that traffic accidents increase by 15% to 20% during the vacation season in Mexico?
Before setting off on your adventure, it is important that you consider some safety advice for avoiding accidents and to make sure that your vacation is as fun and relaxing as you imagined.
Preparing for your trip involves more than just maintenance of your vehicle, and also requires awareness of risk factors like speed, alcohol, distracted driving and driving while tired.
1. Speed and seat belts
Always travel at an appropriate speed and adjust your speed depending on the highway conditions. Using your seat belt reduces the risk of death for drivers and front seat passengers by 45 – 50%, and also reduces the risk of death and serious injury for back seat travelers by 25%.
2. Check your fluid levels
Make sure the fluids in your vehicle are all at the right level. This includes brake fluid, automatic transmission fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washing fluid and coolant. If you see any signs of leaks, take your vehicle to a shop to have it checked. 🧰🔧
3. Check your tires
Tires are one of the most important things to check before you leave on a highway trip. Make sure they have sufficient tread and that the tire pressure is correct. An underinflated tire can overheat and explode, while an overinflated tire can make you lose control of the vehicle.
4. Check the lights
Your vehicle lights are essential to your safety on the highway. Make sure all your lights are working correctly, including your front lights, rear lights, brake lights, reverse lights, signal lights, hazard lights and emergency lights.
5. Prepare an emergency kit
You never know when an emergency could happen on the highway. That is why it is important that you prepare a kit for your vehicle. This kit should include things like jumper cables, a flashlight, a first aid kit, water, non-perishable food, a blanket, a multi-use tool and a cell phone charger. 🚑🔦
6. Avoid distractions
Drivers who use their cell phones are 4 times more likely to be involved in an accident. That is why you should avoid using your cell phone while driving, as this may be crucial for allowing you to avoid traffic accidents.
7. Don’t drive if you have consumed alcohol
The likelihood of being involved in a road accident under the influence of alcohol is eight times higher compared to those who are not impaired. That is why, if you plan to consume alcohol, you should make sure you have an alternate way to get home.
As an effect of consuming alcoholic beverages, drivers may erroneously judge their ability to drive, causing them to mistakenly think they are in control at the wheel.
Drivers under the influence of alcohol are less prudent and tend to respond more impulsively or aggressively than other drivers. On the highway, a drunk driver may not notice the traffic signs, may calculate distances and the speed of others erroneously, will become more sensitive to having their vision impaired by sudden exposure to light and have a reduced field of vision.
Preparing for your highway trip may take a bit of time and effort, but it’s worth it. By following these tips, you can enjoy your vacation calmly, knowing you’ve done everything possible to avoid accidents and keep you and your loved ones safe. 🚗🌞🏖️
Remember, we are all road safety.
