THE MINNESOTA CAR ACCIDENT INJURY LAWYERS AT SCHMIDT AND SALITA LAW TEAM WANT TO ENSURE YOUR SAFETY THIS SUMMER.
Tips to Stay Safe While Driving to your Summer Vacation
Driving always comes with some inherent dangers; however, the summer months are the most hazardous on Minnesota’s roadways. The 100-day period of time from Memorial Day through Labor Day is the most treacherous, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Traffic spikes in the summer when Minnesotans head out to enjoy the great weather, especially on holiday weekends such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. It is critical that you take special care on the roads during these periods and all summer long to avoid road incidents.
What Not to do Behind the Wheel
Texting while driving is against the law and is one of the most common causes of accidents. In fact, a new Minnesota law passed in April will make it illegal to hold your phone while driving! In addition to texting, Reader’s Digest published an article listing some things you should not do while driving. Some of the important things to keep in mind include:
- Do not eat or drink when driving
- Do not wear headphones
- Do not drive with the music blaring
- Do not keep loose items in your car
- Do not apply makeup
- Do not drive barefoot
- Do not argue
Driving for extended periods of time can lead to fatigue and can prevent you from being as alert as possible. When you feel tired, pull over for a rest and to get some fresh air and stretch your legs. Distractions can lessen your ability to react to other drivers and prevent you from driving defensively. Removing your eyes off the road for just five seconds means you could end up traveling the length of multiple football fields. There are several types of distractions that you should avoid.
Avoid Distractions While Driving
Any situation in which you are not paying complete attention to the road is distracted driving. The three specific types of distractions including taking your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road, and your mind off the task of driving. Some types of distractions remove all of your attention away from the road and make driving more dangerous. Texting is a good example of an activity that encompasses all three types of distractions, making it extremely unsafe. Not only do you need to stay focused, but you should drive defensively, especially during the summer.
Defensive driving requires you not only to pay close attention to other drivers on the road, but to also anticipate potential road problems. This allows you to completely avoid accidents and other potentially dangerous situations. For your safety and the safety of others, do not drive unless you are completely rested and ready to pay attention to the road. Check your route ahead of time so you do not have to update with your GPS routing while en-route. When you drive with children, provide them with activities to keep them engaged so they do not require your attention while you are driving. If you and your passengers are involved in a heated discussion, pull over. Importantly as well, do not get behind the wheel when you are angry because it can cause you to drive erratically.
If you are involved in an accident, call the police and get medical treatment for any injuries. You may be owed money for your injuries from the negligent party. If the worst comes to pass, Schmidt Salita Law Team is there to help ensure your rights are protected and you are made whole. Enjoy your summer vacations, and stay safe!
The Schmidt Salita Law Team Handles a Wide Variety of Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Claims.
The Schmidt Salita Law Team handles cases involving car accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian car accidents, and bicycle accidents. It has many years’ experience in workers compensation , products liability and medical malpractice cases.
The Schmidt Salita Law Team has extensive experience with concussion injuries, traumatic brain injuries, neck and back injuries, whiplash injuries, broken bones, injured joint injuries (knee, hip, shoulder, wrist, ankle, spinal), amputation injuries, and vision and eye injuries.
The Schmidt Salita Law Team has offices through out the State of Minnesota. Its primary location is at Ridgedale Office Center in Minnetonka, near the intersection of I394 and I494. The offices are handicap accessible with ample parking.
The Schmidt Salita Team Offers Contingent Fee Arrangements.
The firm offers contingent fee agreements (You don’t pay lawyers fees until you collect and then only as a percentage of the settlement). It also offers home and hospital visits to clients whose injuries present difficulty in coming to the office.
“PERSONAL INJURY WITH PERSONAL ATTENTION TO EACH CASE”.
The Schmidt Salita Law Team has locations throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area of Minneapolis and St. Paul, as well as Minnetonka, Maple Grove, Plymouth, Osseo, Anoka, Coon Rapids, Brooklyn Center, Fridley, Blaine, Shoreview, Woodbury, Falcon Heights, Columbia Park, Stillwater, Hastings, Inver Grove, Cottage Grove, South St. Paul, Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Savage, Shakopee, Richfield, Bloomington, Chaska, Chanhassen, Edina, Eden Prairie, and Hopkins.