Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog
Florida drivers have some advantages when it comes to driving. They never have to deal with winter road conditions, for example, and some of the other dangerous conditions that drivers have to face in other states. If you will be driving out of state some time before the New Year or early in 2014, you need to take a few extra steps to avoid car accidents if you are a Homestead driver:
1) Get your car tuned up. Keeping your car in good condition can help you avoid car collisions in Homestead, and it becomes even more important on the roads. A well-maintained car is more likely to respond as you expect it to, which can help you avoid crashes. If you will be traveling through unpaved roads or harsher weather conditions out of state, it is also important that your car can respond to those conditions.
2) Prepare for winter driving if you will be driving in any state with snowy or icy conditions. If you will be driving anywhere where ice and snow are a possibility, you will want to invest in a good set of winter tires. These have different treads than all-season tires and can help you avoid a car or truck accident. In Homestead, you may not need winter tires, but these types of tires can grip the road better, helping you avoid sliding and allowing you to brake correctly. If you will be driving on unpaved roads that could have snow or ice, it is important to get studded winter tires. These tires have tiny spikes that can dig into ice and snow, giving you a better grip. You will also want to replace your windshield fluid with a formula that can withstand freezing temperatures – this will help keep your windshield clear, even in ice and snow.
3) Prepare yourself for a long drive. Getting your car ready is only part of the equation. You also need to be ready yourself, and that means getting into good physical shape. Make sure that you get plenty of rest before you drive – fatigued driving is a leading cause of traffic collisions in Homestead and across the country. Make sure that you are healthy and that you plan your route so that you get adequate rests and breaks during your drive.
4) Get familiar with your route. Plan your route well in advance of your drive. If possible, use a feature such as Google Maps or Google Street View to get a sense of what your route will look like. This can allow you to be less distracted by checking maps as you drive. Check weather conditions and construction on your route and have alternate routes available so that you can stay confident behind the wheel. Give yourself lots of time to get to your destination so that you are not rushing.
5) Pack a travel kit. Your kit should include flares or a flashlight, a first aid kit, water and snacks, a cell phone, numbers of hotels and other amenities along your route, a road-side emergency kit, a blanket, and anything else you may need if you run into car trouble or find yourself in an accident.
6) Refresh your winter driving skills. Before you drive, consider taking even an hour-long refresher session with a driving instructor. If you have never driven in snow and ice before, especially, it can be useful to learn how to brake and drive in winter weather.
Have you been seriously injured in a car accident? You can reach Flaxman Law Group 24 hours a day, seven days a week to arrange a free accident consultation with a personal injury attorney.