Naples Road Trip Safety: Tips To Keep Your Family Safe This Summer
With its scenic coastline, warm weather, and family-friendly attractions, Florida is a favorite summer road trip destination. Whether you are a visitor to the Gulf Coast or live in Naples and plan on checking out destinations across the state, it is important to take precautions to protect yourself and your passengers on the road.
Advance planning can help prevent serious injuries. Our Naples car accident lawyer offers tips to help make your summer road trip safer.
What Makes Summer Travel More Dangerous?
The summer season means more traffic on Florida highways, and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) wants you to be aware of the risks.
The summer season is one of the most common times for car accidents in Naples and throughout the state. Factors that make crashes and collisions more likely to occur at this time of year include:
- Higher traffic volume, especially near holiday weekends like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July;
- Inexperienced teen drivers on the road during school breaks
- Driver fatigue, particularly on long-haul trips without breaks;
- Distracted driving, which is common on unfamiliar roads or when using GPS;
- Vehicle breakdowns, such as tire blowouts or overheating.
Busy highways such as I-75 and US-41 can become especially hazardous during peak travel times. Add in increased risks of tropical storms, summer road construction, and high-speed or aggressive driving, and it’s easy to see why summer road trips require more vigilance.
Smart Safety Tips for a Safe and Smooth Journey
For both residents and visitors to Collier County, following some simple road safety tips can help prevent car accidents in Naples. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers these safety tips:
- Before hitting the road, inspect your vehicle, including tires, brakes, fluid levels, headlights, and wipers.
- Check the forecast for where you will be driving and plan accordingly for rain or storms.
- Pack an emergency kit with water, snacks, jumper cables, first aid, flashlight, and phone charger.
- Make sure your insurance, registration, and driver’s license are current.
- Be aware of areas under construction.
- Buckle up before leaving your driveway.
- Follow posted speeds and adjust for road or weather conditions.
- If taking long trips, schedule regular breaks to avoid drowsy driving.
- Avoid distractions, including cell phones and in-car entertainment.
- Use hands-free navigation or let a passenger handle directions.
If you are traveling with children, double-check that car seats are correctly installed and that younger kids aren’t unbuckling mid-trip. And remember, heatstroke can happen fast. Never leave children or pets in a parked car, even for a minute.
Injured on a Summer Road Trip? Contact Our Naples Car Accident Lawyer
Car accidents that happen on road trips to Naples or other destinations across the Sunshine State can ruin your summer. If you or someone you love is injured due to another driver’s negligence, Cardinal Law, P.A. helps you get compensation.
While you focus on recovering, we protect your rights in an injury claim. To schedule a consultation with our Naples car accident lawyer, contact our office today.
Sources:
flhsmv.gov/safety-center/driving-safety/safe-summer-travel/
nhtsa.gov/summer-driving-tips#:~:text=Summer%20Changes,-Air%20Conditioning&text=Check%20A%2FC%20performance%20before,as%20children%20and%20older%20adults
