The summer months tend to be the warmest that Pennsylvania sees throughout the year. This means that there will likely be a greater number of people traveling on roads and highways, which may increase your risk of getting into a motor vehicle accident. However, there are steps that you can take to minimize this risk.
Drive in a defensive manner
When you drive defensively, you assume that everyone around you is going to make a mistake. By anticipating that mistake ahead of time, you make it easier to take evasive action if anything does happen. For instance, if you drive as if the car in front of yours is going to stop suddenly, you will proactively increase your following distance to account for such an act.
Never drive while drunk or high
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can significantly increase your risk of getting into a motor vehicle accident. This is because you’ll have a harder time processing information and difficulty controlling your vehicle. If authorities discover that you are doing so, it could lead to criminal charges. If you’re convicted of drunk or impaired driving, you may face penalties such as jail time or a fine.
Make sure that your car is properly maintained
During the summer months, it’s especially important to make sure that your car’s tires are properly inflated. This is because the underinflated tires grip the roads especially well during periods of warm weather, which can increase the risk of a blowout. You will also want to make sure that the oil has been changed recently and that the windshield is free of dust, dead bugs or other debris that may hamper visibility while driving.
If you’re in an accident caused by a negligent driver, you may sustain serious injuries as well as property damage. However, it may be possible to obtain compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages related to that person’s irresponsible behavior. Witness statements or videos of the crash may help you prove that the defendant was reckless in causing a crash.