End of Summer Road Trip Safety

August is Peak Month for Car Accidents in Orlando Florida

Planning one last road trip before Labor Day weekend? Watch out on the road! August is the most common month for car accident injuries. While you can’t avoid every fender bender or accident, you can reduce your risk for injury by being a defensive driver and following basic driving safety tips.

Summer Road Safety Tips

Be a defensive driver. Practice good defensive driving skills to help you stay aware of other drivers and changing road conditions. This includes reducing your speed in inclement weather and watching out for other vehicles during periods of heavy traffic and congestion, such as when merging onto a busy interstate at rush hour.

Position the driver’s seat correctly. Sitting too close to the steering wheel increases the risk for injury in an accident, including injury to the bones, ligaments and muscles in your knees. You can also injure your ribs when the airbag deploys.

Be alert in the parking lot. Busy parking lots at a gas station or roadside restaurant are filled with distracted travelers eager to get on the road. Be extra cautious when pulling in and out of parking lots and check your blind spots when backing out of a space.

Watch out for “lazy” driving habits. The majority of accidents happen when we get “lazy” about following good driving habits, like checking our blind spots when changing lanes. After a few long days on the road, it’s easy to get lazy about safety. Stay vigilant and continue to be a defensive driver! Always wear your seatbelt, even in a driveway or parking lot.

What To Do If You Are In a Car Accident

If you are in an accident, seek diagnostic care immediately. Remember, you don’t have to be in a major accident to suffer serious injuries. A ‘minor’ fender bender can lead to months or even years of chronic back and neck pain. You may walk away with just a few bruises, but your musculoskeletal system could still have sustained serious injury. Our Orlando chiropractor Dr. Rumley will check your spine and neck for injuries, including whiplash injuries, and recommend appropriate care.