Accident risks will remain disproportionately high over the next few weeks, as thousands of Bostonians take to the highways for summer trips and vacations. The months of May right through August are some of the most accident-prone months of the year, with the most dangerous days of the year falling during these weeks.
Accident risks will remain disproportionately high over the next few weeks, as thousands of Bostonians take to the highways for summer trips and vacations. The months of May right through August are some of the most accident-prone months of the year, with the most dangerous days of the year falling during these weeks.
With more people on the roads, all in a hurry to get to their destination on time, it stands to reason that accident risks for most Massachusetts motorists will be much higher than usual. You will be sharing the roads with multiple speeding drivers, intoxicated motorists, distracted drivers checking messages on their cell phones, and thousands of teenage drivers who are
enjoying a break from school.
Increase your chances of staying safe by switching off your cell phone while driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 80% of all accidents involve some form of driver distraction. That doesn't mean that these accidents involve only the use of cell phones or smartphones while driving. Distracted driving could mean not just the use of electronic communication devices, but also distractions from other passengers, activities like snacking, fiddling with radio channels and so on.
Always wear seatbelts while driving, and make sure that everybody in your car is also buckled in safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that at least one person dies in an alcohol-related car accident every 45 minutes in a day. Reduce your risks of becoming part of those statistics by avoiding alcohol use if you are the one who is driving.
Make sure that you complete a vehicle safety inspection before you begin a long tip. Your checklist should include a check for air pressure, and tire tread. It should also include an inspection of your belts and hoses, wiper blades, fluid levels and cooling system.
