The kids may be back in school, but there are plenty of three-day weekends during the fall for families to take advantage of by hitting the road together. You can learn about all kinds of local events that have something for everyone by browsing VisitMississippi.org.
From concerts and farmer’s markets to festivals and car shows, there is always something going on that your children are bound to love. You might have to drive a few hours to get to it, but spending time with the family will always be worth the trip—as long as you reach your destination safely.
Unfortunately, even short road trips across the state pose serious safety hazards, especially on holiday weekends when there is more congestion. If you were injured or lost a family member in a wreck with a drunk or distracted driver, contact Ballard Law, PLLC.
Attorney William E. Ballard will investigate your claim and provide comprehensive legal guidance so you can secure the most favorable outcome for your case. If your case goes to trial, Mr. Ballard has the litigation experience and resources to represent your interests in court. Call 769-572-5111 to schedule a free case evaluation with a Madison accident lawyer.
Read on to learn a few safety tips for taking a road trip with your family:
- Schedule a Tune-Up
If you are planning on driving for more than a couple of hours, bring your car to the mechanic for some preventative maintenance first. During a standard tune-up, your mechanic will check the tires, battery, belts, air conditioner, and fluids.
- Get Plenty of Rest
Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving, so make sure you get a good night’s sleep before hitting the road. If you are planning on leaving before the sun comes up, make sure you go to bed early enough that you will get at least eight hours of sleep.
- Pack an Emergency Kit
Everyone should have an emergency kit in their vehicle in case they find themselves stranded, stuck in foul weather, or in a serious collision. Your emergency pack should contain a first-aid kit, jumper cables, a flashlight, water, warm blankets, flares, tools for changing a tire, and a fully charged cell phone or a portable battery back.
- Check Your Children’s Safety Restraints
According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, 90 percent of the state’s children had improper or ill-fitting safety restraints in 2015. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to confirm that your children’s booster seats are installed correctly—and that the restraints still fit them—before your next trip.
- Plan Your Route in Advance
Even if you plan on relying on a navigation system that will reroute you as needed, you should still plan your trip in advance to avoid any major construction zones or other detours. When you plan the trip in advance, you will not have to adjust your GPS device while driving, which will help reduce the risk of a collision.
If you or your loved ones sustained serious injuries in a collision despite following the above tips and you want to hold the liable party accountable, turn to Ballard Law, PLLC. Call 769-572-5111 to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Madison. You can learn more about car accident claims in Mississippi by visiting USAttorneys.com.
