Summer Means More Car Accidents, 5 Tips for Staying Safe

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), most accidents happen in the height of summer. If you are planning a fun-filled summer vacation, you’ll want to take every precaution necessary to ensure that things don’t go sour. The caring professionals at Impact Medical Port Richey are here to teach you why summer accidents happen and what you can do to avoid becoming part of the statistics.

Why Summer Accidents?

So, why do most accidents happen during the summer? For the simple reason that everyone loves to take trips during this time of year. Whether it be time off from school, summer holidays, or the joys of warm weather by the beach, there are so many enticing reasons to hit the road and spend time with friends and family. However, this way of thinking leads to an increased possibility of accidents on the road.

Watch For Student Drivers

If everyone has the same idea of going out for a bit of fun during the same time of year, the chances of an accident increase due to too many people on the road at once. Student drivers are especially affected since they’re nowhere near as experienced as more seasoned drivers and may not know how to handle the traffic well.

Weather and Vehicle Conditions

Other factors play into accident causes as well, such as extreme weather altering the road conditions. Florida is no stranger to thunderstorms which can lead to wet and slippery roads, power outages, and so on. The intense heat can also have an adverse effect on your vehicle, causing your tires, engine, and battery to go out at the worst possible time.

Ways to Stay Safe During the Summer

There are many dangers on the road, but there are steps you can take to stay safe and improve your chances of avoiding potential accidents.

Follow the speed limit. By keeping a consistent speed, you’re able to better identify when other drivers are speeding or driving irregularly to keep you on your toes.

Avoid using your phone while you drive. Cell phones are the number one distraction that causes car crashes. It’s best to pull over to a safe spot or wait until you reach your destination before checking your phone.

Keep a safe distance from the car ahead of you. You never know when the car ahead of you may stop on a dime. If you hit their rear, you’re more likely to get the worst of the damages and you could be placed at fault. Many new cars come with automatic safe distance assist features which you can use to your advantage.

Get a thorough car inspection. If your vehicle fails you on the road, there’s not much you can do. Have a licensed mechanic take a deep look into your vehicle to identify any potential issues before they happen.

Never drive under the influence. This goes without saying, but many people still fail to follow this basic rule. By avoiding drugs or alcohol before you drive, or by waiting a good amount of time after consuming, you won’t become a danger to yourself and others on the road.

What to Do After an Accident

Even if you take all of the necessary precautions, you’re not completely immune from getting into a car crash. You should seek medical attention as soon as possible and have your body checked by a physical therapist or a chiropractor like the professionals at Impact Medical Port Richey. Our trained staff will be able to coax your body back to normal while easing inflammation, building on muscle strength, and improving your range of motion.

Call Impact Medical Port Richey today at (727) 848-3377 to schedule an appointment and begin your treatment.