Florida continues to be a top tourist destination, with the governor recently announcing a record-breaking number of visitors - over 137 million - for 2022. During the summer months, more and more people flock to southern Florida for fun in the sun, dramatically increasing the number of drivers unfamiliar with the local laws and roads. Injuries from car accidents are the most common personal injury incidents people suffer from and should be avoided at all costs. Today, we discuss how to keep you and your family safe on the road during the Florida summer.
Road Safety In The Summer
Keeping an eye on the road and following normal driving best practices is necessary at any time of the year. Still, summer inspires different considerations you should keep in mind when you and the family leave for the beach on the road.
Car Maintenance and Preparation - Southwest Florida's 2023 temperatures already represent the hottest year on record, even before we get deep into the season. Early in the year, when cooler days are expected, temperatures reached 90 degrees two months faster than usual. If this trend continues, July and August will be more sweltering than usual.
Higher temperatures can affect cars in different ways. In the heat, tires are more prone to blowouts, oil can thin and worsen in quality, and car batteries can lose efficiency and drain when put under extreme heat conditions. Electric vehicles also face issues in the heat, as complex car batteries play an even more important role than in traditional vehicles. Before you hit the road, ensure your car is up-to-date on scheduled maintenance and consider having it looked at by a trained mechanic. You should also store backup materials, like additional oil and a spare tire, to quickly fix issues as they arise and get yourself out of the heat on the side of the road.
Keep An Eye On Other Drivers - Even without taking into account the increase of drivers, Florida summers also have two distinct groups on the road that residents need to watch out for - tourists and students. Tourists are unfamiliar with local roads and traffic laws, and student drivers off from school in the summer months are more prone to accidents and driving mistakes than the average person. To keep yourself safe, drive cautiously and don't assume what other drivers will do. Slow down and avoid nearby uninformed drivers when a misunderstanding can cause an accident.
Take Weather Into Account - While summer heat can be distracting and uncomfortable, A/C systems can eliminate most of this issue and let you focus on the road. However, Florida summers are also known for sudden rainstorms, with Florida Climate Center data routinely showing June, July, and August as some of the rainiest months of the year. Practice defensive driving during rainy conditions, similar to driving in high tourist areas.
Unfortunately, personal injury attorneys are acutely aware of how devastating car accidents can be. While we hope you never have to endure the challenges of a severe injury, remember that contacting a personal injury attorney as soon as possible gives you the best chance to receive compensation that helps pay for bills and alleviate hardships.
The harsh reality is that accidents are, by definition, accidents; you might be unable to stop them from occurring even if you follow these tips. If an accident does happen and you are injured due to someone else's negligence on the road, contact Hale Law right away. Our attorneys will fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve at no financial cost to you unless we win your case or secure money in a settlement.