The tail end of summer marks the perfect time to take a family road trip. The weather is just starting to cool, and the kids haven’t gotten too caught up in their school or sports obligations yet. However, the compassionate accident attorneys at Carey & Hamner, P.C. in Dothan, AL, advise that it’s easy to get caught up in all the excitement that you fail to take the necessary safety precautions.

Here, they share a few tips to reduce the risk of getting in an auto accident on your next road trip:

Plan Your Route Ahead of Time

Distracted driving is dangerous, and the hazard has many forms. Even something as simple as adjusting the GPS navigator will take your eyes— and concentration — off the road, resulting in a devastating auto accident. Plan your trip ahead of time to prevent the need to adjust your navigator en route, and consider all detours and construction when you do.

Tune-Up Your Vehicle

Take your car in for a comprehensive tune-up before a long road trip. Your mechanic will check the tires, battery, belts, brakes, air conditioner, and fluids to ensure you are not at risk of breaking down or causing a collision because of a vehicle malfunction.

Get Plenty of Sleep

You wouldn’t get behind the wheel after a few drinks, but driving after staying awake for an extended period of time is just as dangerous. The National Sleep Foundation reports that driving after remaining awake for 24 hours straight is similar to driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10. If you have a big trip planned, get plenty of sleep before hitting the road.

Sadly, even motorists who follow all the tips above can still end up in an auto accident with a drunk, distracted, or drowsy driver. If you were hurt in a crash that was not your fault, Carey & Hamner, P.C. will explore your options for recovering compensation. They empathize with their clients’ struggles and fight hard to win each case. To learn more about their experience helping car and truck accident victims, visit their website. You can schedule a free case evaluation with an attorney by calling (855) 435-4797.