Do your kids have the back-to-school blues now that classes are in session? Do you feel like your family did not get to spend enough quality time together this past summer because of camp, work, and other obligations?
Fortunately, the fall presents several opportunities to pack up the kids on a three-day weekend and hit the road. If you do plan on taking a trip this fall, though, it is important to remember that many other families will likely have the same idea.
Traffic tends to be much worse over holiday weekends, and congestion increases the risk of getting in an accident. If your road trip ends in a collision with a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation for any damages incurred.
Contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC to discuss your case with a seasoned personal injury attorney and determine the best way to proceed. Our compassionate legal team is devoted to helping accident victims regain their financial footing. Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a free case evaluation with an injury lawyer in Cedar Rapids.
Read on to learn how to prepare for a safe road trip:
- Schedule a Tune-up
Even if you only plan on driving a few hours away, doing so in a vehicle with maintenance issues will increase your risk of getting in a collision. Parents.com encourages readers to bring their car to a reliable mechanic for a full-service tune-up before hitting the road.
- Check Your Children’s Car Seats
If your children use car seats or booster seats, review the owner’s manual to make sure they are installed properly—and that your kids have not outgrown them. According to USA TODAY, researchers found that 46 percent of child seats were installed incorrectly in a 2011 study. If your children’s car seats are not installed properly, they will be less effective in the event of a collision.
- Enroll in Roadside Assistance
If you do not currently have a roadside assistance subscription, consider enrolling before your next trip. The American Automobile Association has one of the most popular programs, but there are dozens of options to consider.
- Get Plenty of Sleep
Drowsy driving is incredibly dangerous, and if you have a long trip ahead, you need to be well rested. Make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before you leave so you can avoid dozing off behind the wheel.
- Pack an Emergency Kit
Every driver should have a fully stocked emergency kit in their trunk. The most essential items include a first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable snacks, a flashlight or headlamp, extra batteries, a portable cell phone charger, jumper cables, duct tape, and zip ties.
Unfortunately, no matter how well you prepare for a road trip, you may still wind up in a devastating collision with a drunk, distracted, or drowsy driver. If you or a loved one sustains injuries in a car accident, contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC.
Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a free consultation with a Cedar Rapids accident attorney. You can learn more about filing car accident claims in Iowa by visiting usattorneys.com/car-accident/iowa.