Summer trip safety tips

According to TripAdvisor, over two-thirds of Americans are planning to travel this summer, an increase of almost 17% since just this spring. While more people feel comfortable with traveling than last year, there's still some wariness towards flying. In fact, of those who do plan to travel, almost half plan to drive instead of fly.

With an increased amount of people on the roads for the first time in a long time, a refresher of summer driving safety tips can help keep you and your passengers out of harm's way.

"You never know when your vehicle might break down, so it's wise to keep a few supplies on hand in an emergency roadside kit," said Ben Whitley, attorney at Whitley Law Firm. "The most important items to include in an emergency kit include some sort of cell phone charger so you can call for help, a first aid kit to address any injuries, and nonperishable food and water."

Other items to consider keeping in an emergency roadside kit include a flashlight, jumper cables, basic repair tools, gloves, and emergency blankets and coats. Whitley also recommends bringing your car in for regular maintenance before a big trip, so you can ensure your oil is changed, tires are filled, and any underlying issues are addressed.

If you do leave your vehicle unattended at any point, make sure there are no passengers or children still inside. Especially in the summer, the temperature inside of cars can quickly reach deadly heat, leading to heatstroke or even death for those inside.

Once you're on the road, you can't always account for the actions of other drivers. Still, there are best practices to keep in mind for your own safety that can decrease the chances of an accident.

"It's tempting to get to your destination as quickly as possible, but there's a reason for posted speed limits — to keep you and other drivers safe and able to react to unexpected conditions. And as always, don't text while you're driving or drive under the influence," said Whitley. "Any of these distractions or bad habits can prevent you from being focused on the road, which can easily lead to a vehicle collision."

Unfortunately, the summer season is one of the worst for car crashes. This is likely due to factors such as more teen drivers on the road out of school, tourists traveling to their destinations, and overindulgence in alcohol. Hotter weather also causes changes to air in a car's tires, which may lead to increased blowouts.

In fact, during the 100 days span from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the amount of car accidents in the United States increases dramatically. If you're involved in a car crash this summer, it's crucial to get in touch with a qualified legal professional as soon as possible — especially if you're an out-of-state driver.

"It's confusing and stressful to get in a car accident at any time, but even more so if you're not from the state and aren't familiar with local laws. You should still call 911, take photos of the scene, contact your insurance, and follow the same initial steps you likely would in your own state," said Whitley. "If you're injured, however, then contacting a North Carolina attorney is crucial in ensuring that you get proper compensation."

"The summer season can be a dangerous one when it comes to road conditions," said Whitley, "but there are steps you can take and knowledge you can keep in mind that will help you and those traveling on the road with you to stay safe."