Personal Injury Lawyers Offer Highway Safety Advice for Fourth of July Holiday Driving
Independence Day is a historically busy time for travel with families and loved ones coming together to celebrate the holiday. With the increased travel, the rates of motor vehicle accidents also tend to rise. Remember to drive safely so that everyone has a safe and happy holiday with their loved ones.
Here are some road safety tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- Before you go, do a quick vehicle safety check of the car’s tires, belts and hoses, wiper blades, cooling system, fluid levels and lights. If you need any maintenance such as tune-ups, oil changes, battery checks, or tire rotations, do it to prevent a breakdown during your trip.
- Buckle up for safety and make sure any passengers do the same.
- Avoid bad road behaviors, such as distracted driving. Do not talk on your cell phone, text, eat, drink or use any other portable electronic devices while driving.
- Have a good idea of where you are going in advance. Fumbling around for directions while driving or making sudden lane changes and exits can be dangerous to you and other drivers.
- Follow any speed limits and pay attention to road signs, especially in areas that are unfamiliar to you.
- Keep roadside assistance numbers handy in case of an emergency.
- If you do breakdown, be sure to pull as far off the highway as possible to avoid oncoming traffic and stay in the car until help arrives.
- Avoid drunk driving. If you are planning to drink while you are out, choose a designated driver or have an alternate way to get home.
Personal Injury Lawyers Remind Families to Celebrate Safely, Avoid Fires and Burn Injuries from Fireworks
Although very popular during Fourth of July celebrations, fireworks can be dangerous and cause severe and permanent injuries when used in a private setting. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says that children under the age of 15 account for nearly half of the injuries caused by fireworks. The organization estimates that about 8,600 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks injuries in 2010. The most injuries were caused by firecrackers, followed by bottle rockets and sparklers.
The CPSC suggests adult supervision always be used when children are using fireworks, even sparklers. They also recommend keeping a bucket of water nearby and observing any local laws to use fireworks more safely. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics says that children and their families should attend public fireworks displays rather than purchase fireworks for home use. Refraining from using fireworks, even sparklers, at home is the only way to completely avoid a potential fire or burn injury.
Personal Injury Lawyers in Philadelphia and New Jersey
The Philadelphia personal injury lawyers at Messa & Associates are experienced at handling motor vehicle accident and burn injury and fire cases. Our extremely skilled team of personal injury lawyers and medical experts is dedicated to ensuring you receive proper compensation for your personal injuries. If your child has suffered an injury as a result of a motor vehicle accident, fire, burn injury or any other type of personal injury, contact the personal injury attorneys of Messa & Associates for a free consultation. Call toll free at 1-877-MessaLaw, or submit a free online inquiry.
