Summer 2021 Travel Safety
With the economy re-opening across the country, and families finally making plans for summer getaways, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued its travel safety recommendations for those that will be heading out on road trips during the coming months.
Check for Vehicle Recalls
It is quick and easy to check whether your vehicle is under a recall by using the NHTSA recall lookup tool on their website. You will need to enter your vehicle’s VIN. Many times, owners are unaware that their vehicle is in need of repair due to a recall. The VIN tool will also let you know if your car has been repaired secondary to a safety recall within the past 15 years. The page to check is linked here: NHTSA.gov/Recalls. The NHTSA website also allows consumers to register to receive email alerts regarding recalls. The agency also created an app called SaferCar. If you download the app to your mobile device, you will receive automatic notifications about recalls on your vehicle, car seat, tires, and other registered automotive equipment.
Have Your Vehicle Serviced
Keeping up with vehicle maintenance such as oil changes, tune-ups, tire rotations, and battery checks can help prevent breakdowns. Following the service recommendations from the vehicle’s manufacturer is good insurance that your vehicle will be in good condition for a road trip. If you have not been keeping up with the recommendations, or if you are unaware of the service history of the vehicle you will be driving, it is a good idea to schedule a checkup with your mechanic prior to hitting the road.
Pay Attention to the Tires
The inflation pressure from the vehicle’s manufacturer can be found in the owner’s manual. It is also on a label on the frame of the driver’s side door. Follow those recommendations, not the number that is printed on the tire itself. When checking the tire pressure, do so after waiting at least three hours after the vehicle has been driven, when the tires are “cold.” If you are in the market for new tires, the NHTSA has a webpage listing tire rankings.
Parking and Backing Out
Backovers are some of the most horrific accidents. Fortunately, they are largely preventable. Before you even begin to back out of a parking spot or driveway, do a walk around your vehicle and look for kids playing in the area. If your vehicle is equipped with a backup camera, do not rely solely on it – look over your shoulders in both directions as well. Objects, pets, or children may be out of view of the camera but heading into its path. Kids at play are often oblivious to vehicle traffic. It is up to motorists to look out for them. Be cognizant of your vehicle’s blind spots, which can be quite large on recreational vehicles or large trucks, vans, and SUVs. Large vehicles are more often involved in backover incidents.
Watch the YouTube video. The clip below instructs new drivers on how to safely back out of a parking spot.
General Travel Safety Reminders
Anytime you get behind the wheel, steps should be taken to avoid risky driving behaviors. Pay attention to the road and surrounding traffic at all times – eliminate dangerous distractions. It goes without saying that one should never get behind the wheel of a car after using drugs or drinking. As the captain of the vessel, the driver should ensure that all passengers are properly restrained prior to beginning any trip.
Truckee Personal Injury Lawyer
Hello – I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury lawyer serving Truckee, California. For more than 38 years, the skilled injury lawyers at my firm have advocated on behalf of injured Truckee residents. We have also helped families who have lost loved ones in fatal car crashes with their wrongful death claims. Our verdicts and case settlements page illustrates some of our past results. Reviews from prior clients can be found on the following sites:
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