Our Summer Road Trip Tips During COVID-19

Summer Road Trip Safety During COVID-19

The current COVID-19 pandemic has a funny effect on time. With stay at home orders, many businesses shut down, and schools closed, it’s been hard to get a grasp on time. For some, it feels like the days are long. For others, it feels like the last couple of months have flown by. Or, it can feel like both. Regardless how you are feeling about time, it is almost summer. Typically, this time of year is when we are preparing for our summer road trips and family vacations. Your travel plans may look a little different this year. In recent days, stores and businesses are starting to open back up across the country. Gas prices are at record lows. So, you might be considering that trip after all. In fact, with most Americans wary of flight travel and the potential risks air travel poses, more people will take to the roads. A recent CNN article suggested that a “pent-up demand for travel” will have many Americans taking road trips this summer. We look at summer driving tips and summer road trip safety tips in the time of COVID-19.

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Summer Driving Tips

There is a lot to consider when thinking about summer road trip safety. For one, you’ll want to avoid driving during extreme summer heat if you can. If you can’t, follow our guide to driving in extreme heat. Second, you’ll want to make sure to get a good night’s sleep when preparing for a long drive. Drowsy driving is a top cause for road trip accidents. There are also things you’ll want to double check and pack. We break it down below:

What to Check:

• Inspect your vehicle before hitting the road, especially for longer trips. As you prepare to crank your AC and log many miles, make sure to check all of your fluid levels. Inspect your coolant, windshield washer liquid, brake fluid, automatic transmission and power steering fluids.
• Check for recalls. Most recalls are sent directly to the owner of the vehicle. But it is possible this got lost in the mail or accidentally thrown out. You can check for recalls by entering your vehicle information on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website.
• Check your tires. Tires naturally lose their air pressure over time. Double check that all your tires, including your spare, are up to its recommended pressure. Also check your tires’ tread wear. If the tread is worn down, replace your tires before hitting the road.
• Check wiper blades. You’ll be passing through dusty roads and unfortunate insects. You will want to have working wiper blades so you can clean your windshield on the go.
• Check battery life—of your car and phone!
• Double check your spare tire is in working order.
• Test all your lights: headlights and brights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency lights and interior lights.

What to Pack:

• Pack your jumper cables. You want to be as prepared as possible to handle situations on your own.
• Pack a first aid kit and/or emergency kit. Make sure your kit has: Band-Aids, gauze, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes, pain relieving education, cotton swabs, thermometer, scissors, hand sanitizer, and sunscreen. Other things to include: hot and cold packs, non-perishable food, water, a light stick or flashlight, extra blanket, and any medications particular to you and your family’s needs.
• Carry water for the radiator and extra for your family.
• Pack a flashlight. Make sure it has new batteries.

As we discuss summer road safety tips, let’s talk about what actions would be prudent should you become a victim in a car accident in Las Vegas. After you ensure yours and any passenger’s safety and well-being and you’ve reported the accident to authorities, your next move is to contact an experienced car accident attorney. With our decades of experience helping clients win compensation in their accident cases, Anthem Injury Lawyers offers you the best opportunity for a positive outcome. Call us now and schedule your free case review: (702) 857-6000.

Summer Road Trip Safety Tips During COVID-19

In addition to the above list, there are extra safety precautions to take because of the coronavirus pandemic. Below is a list of some tips to help you and your family practice summer road trip safety during this pandemic.

How to Prepare:

• Plan ahead. Make sure you understand your route before you hit the road. The coronavirus pandemic has caused some temporary road closures. Even though businesses are starting to open up, there might be certain stretches of your trip where you don’t have access to essentials. Also try to pre-plan as much of your travel activities as you can. Figure out what you can and cannot do. Bring as much of your own recreational supplies to minimize risk of infection. For example, pack your own golf clubs, fishing rods, bikes, kites, and games.
• Confirm sleeping arrangements. Some hotels and inns have closed due to the coronavirus. Call ahead to make sure they are taking reservations. If you made one, call to make sure nothing has changed. You might also want to try to check for hotel deals. A lot of short-term rental properties, hotels, and resorts are offering discounted rates, complimentary upgrades, or free amenities to attract more customers.
• Research. Every state and even city has slightly different rules around public safety orders. Make sure you are clear on what laws are in place for each place you travel to. The CDC clearly lays out their recommendation for standard safety measures.
• Slow down. With less traffic on the roads, there has been more speeding. Always make sure to follow posted speed limits.
• Disinfect your car, often. Every time you exit your car, you’re risking bringing back the virus with you. Keep your car clean, especially high touch surfaces like the steering wheel, turn signals, door handles, seat belts, and phone chargers.

What to Bring:

• Pack cleaning supplies. Pack hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes. It’s always helpful to have extra. Also pack soap and extra gallons of water for thorough hand washing. Public restrooms and gas pumps are hot spots for germs. Wash your hands before and after using the restroom and filling up your car with gas. Pack cell phone wipes or disinfectant. If you use your phone while out in public, there is a chance you could touch a surface that has been infected and then touch your phone.
• Bring your own food and drinks. Try to pack a lot of snacks and non-perishables so you minimize contact with other people. If you can, bring a cooler and pack some meals. The less trips to grocery stores and liquor shops, the less likely you’ll get sick.
• Have an extra copy of your car insurance information, contact information, and registration. If you get into a car accident, you can leave a copy of your information while practicing social distancing.

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Experienced Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been in a road trip car accident, you should speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. A personal injury lawyer can help you protect your rights. Our car accident lawyers are experienced at handling all types of car accidents. These accidents include: large trucks or SUVs, accidents involving motorcyclists and bicyclists, and accidents where there was a driver who was driving under the influence/with an elevated blood alcohol concentration (BAC). You can be assured that our attorneys will expertly review the facts. If we determine that you have a case, we’ll aggressively represent you so you receive the best opportunity to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

But what about looking up information online to inform you, if you have been involved in a car accident in Las Vegas? It’s okay to inform yourself with some data from the Internet. But when it comes to seeking maximum compensation, you’ll want to put your case in the hands of the experts: Anthem Injury Lawyers, car accident attorneys serving Las Vegas and vicinity. Not only do we have extensive car accident case experience, we are up to date on current legal challenges. This includes the latest events surrounding COVID-19, and will work aggressively to protect your rights and help you receive maximum compensation. Call us today for a free case analysis: (702) 857-6000. Our law office is located in Henderson, but we work with clients all over the Las Vegas Valley. Should you need us to, we can come to you. Contact us today if you’ve been the victim in a car accident in the Las Vegas area.

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