With warmer weather, an increasing number of people venture out to go hiking, biking, canoeing, and camping in various parks and backwoods areas.
Driving during the summer is generally associated with a heightened risk for automobile accidents. A recent article from The Huffington Post discusses the greater congestion on the roads from people traveling for vacation, the larger number of pedestrians and bicyclists out and about, and the dangers associated with teen drivers enjoying their summer break.
Along with these risks, it’s important to understand the unique dangers of driving in rural or wilderness areas for outdoor recreation. These include the following:
Poor visibility. Anticipate an absence of streetlamps, and the possibility that trees and shrubs are hiding important road signs along your route. You may also not be able to see far ahead along the road, as it winds through wooded areas or hills.
Sub-optimal infrastructure. Maybe there’s only a meager, barely visible divider between the road and a river or cliff’s edge (or there’s no divider at all). Broken pavement, faded lane dividers, missing signage, and narrow roads are all problems that potentially contribute to accidents.
Wildlife. Colliding with deer or other large wildlife can prove harmful to vehicle occupants. Drivers may also try to swerve out of the way to avoid hitting any animals. As a result, they could lose control of their vehicle, running it off the road or causing a collision with other people.
Poor packing habits. For outdoor recreation, you probably pack a variety of gear. When loading up your vehicle, avoid blocking the driver’s visibility in various ways, strapping objects improperly to the roof, or making mistakes hitching a trailer to the back. (The DMV published a guide on driving safely while pulling a trailer.)
To reduce the risk of accidents and increase your chances of survival, make sure you’ve got your headlights on when appropriate. Drive slowly and carefully. Carry backups on hand – for example, detailed maps along with your GPS, and a radio communication device in addition to your cellphone. Pack sufficient food, water, warm clothes, and first aid supplies. And let people know about your travel plans whenever you’re venturing out to more remote areas.
Should you suffer an accident, don’t hesitate to contact us at 844-Take-MyCase or www.844TakeMyCase.com. However, by staying mindful of the dangers described in this post, you’ll hopefully reduce the chances of an auto accident and serious injury on the road, making your outdoor adventures as fun as they should be.
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