The summer is the ideal time for individuals, families, and friends to take a road trip. If you are planning a road trip across the state or country, there are certain steps you should take to keep yourself and other motorists safe. Here are six summer road trip safety trips we recommend:

1. Get Plenty of Rest

Going on a road trip can be exhausting. After all, driving for long hours and stopping to enjoy attractions is not particularly relaxing. Therefore, you should get plenty of rest. When you are driving, take regular breaks and make sure you get at least eight hours of sleep each night. If your schedule is too busy, you could drive drowsy and cause an accident.

After a car accident, you may be worried about paying more for your car insurance. This is understandable as car insurance is not cheap and you don’t want to overspend on it. The truth is that in some instances your car insurance rates will increase and in others, they will not be affected. Let’s take a closer look at how a car accident may impact your car insurance rates.

Instances When Car Insurance Rates Do Not Change

Most drivers wrongly assume that their rates will automatically increase after any type of accident. This is not always the case, especially if you were in a minor accident and have a track record of safe driving.

Although you should always drive safely, doing so is particularly crucial if you have a baby in your vehicle. To reduce your risk of a car accident and keep yourself and your baby safe and sound while you are on the road, we have put together this list of five tips for driving safely with a baby.

1. Perform Regular Vehicle Inspections

Prior to the start of every season, you should perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle. During this inspection, check tire condition, brake performance, light functionality, fluid leaks, and seat belt functionality. Regular inspections can create a safer ride for you and your baby.

These days, cell phones and mobile devices are on everyone’s radar as a dangerous distraction for drivers. Safety experts, however, are taking steps to increase awareness that loud music can also be a serious distraction that can lead to car accidents.

Loud Music Slows Reaction Times

A Canadian study found that a driver’s reactions time was reduced by an average of 20 percent when loud music was playing. This diminished reaction time could be fatal, even for those traveling at a moderate speed.

When they work properly, highway guardrails can have a tremendous impact on roadway safety. They can prevent rollover accidents and keep drivers from crossing over into oncoming traffic, both of which are among the most serious types of traffic accidents. However, a number of recent cases have raised concerns that certain guardrails installed across the country may actually do more harm than good.

The issue relates to the end cap used on many guardrails, which may cause the guardrail to buckle under the force of the impact and create a spike that can pierce the body of the car. Numerous accident victims nationwide have experienced these issues firsthand, resulting in more than a few fatalities and lost limbs.

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