Vehicle Safety Checklist Before Driving Out This Summer

The summer months, particularly July and August, are said to be the most dangerous times to drive for American motorists. In fact, in the latest statistical data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), at least 3,149 motor vehicle crash deaths occurred in July of 2011. At least 2,982, meanwhile, were killed in August of 2011.

The chances of a fatalcrash increase during these months because more motorists are out on the road driving more miles than any other time of the year. Given that these are summer months, motorists are making the most of this opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors where they go camping, swimming, fishing, and the like.

While vehicle accidents and subsequent injuries and deaths are usually caused by speeding, driving under the influence and distracted driving, there are other reasons why they happen, especially during the summer months. One of them is vehicle failure, which often happens if an important vehicle equipment does not perform well as it should be, leading to consequences that would ultimately lead to a crash.

If you are planning a trip to a summer destination with your family and/or friends, it is important that the vehicle you will be using is optimally capable of withstanding long-hour drives. As such, it would imperative on your part to have your vehicle checked with your licensed mechanic days before your scheduled trip.

If you have your vehicle undergo regular maintenance, then getting ready for a road trip is quick and easy. But then, it is important that you perform a safety check on your vehicle before you go to your summer destination. Here are some of things in your vehicle you need to check:

·         Tires. Make sure all tires are inflated based on the recommended tire pressure. Always have your spare tire at the back of your vehicle at all times, also inflated correctly.

·         Belts and hoses. Under the hood of your vehicle, make sure that all of these are in good shape and secured to their proper places, with no signs of wear and tear.

·         Wipers. If your windshield wipers incurred wear and tear due to snowfall and rain in the previous months, then it is best that you have them replaced.

·         Cooling system. Since you’ll be driving under the intense heat of the sun, make sure that the coolant level is enough.

·         Oil, brake, transmission, power steering, and windshield washer fluid levels. Make sure that all the necessary vehicle fluids are full before taking the vehicle on a trip. Also, check to see if there are any leakages.

·         Lights. The vehicle’s headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and interior lights must be in good working condition. These light sources will enable you to see and be seen, especially when you drive at night.

·         Air conditioning. Make sure that the air conditioning unit of the vehicle blows cold. It is imperative that the AC unit is functioning properly since you are driving with your friends and family under the summer heat.

Meanwhile, expert lawyers, including a Los Angeles vehicle accident lawyer, wishes every motorist going out this summer season a safe trip. While July and August may be dangerous months to drive, they believe that being safe behind the wheel and being prepared before the trip would decrease motorists’ chances of meeting an accident.


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