Staying Safe While Driving on Unfamiliar Roads

As Spring approaches and brings warmer weather with it, people from all over the country will be taking advantage of the sunshine by taking road trips. While road trips provide the opportunity for a bonding experience and can be an affordable and convenient way for your entire family to travel, undertaking one also means that you will be traveling on many unfamiliar roads without the landmarks you are used to seeing. And we all know that driving in an unfamiliar area seems to become more intimidating as you travel farther from home.

Many of the car accidents that happen here in Florida are caused by a person who is driving on unfamiliar roads for the first time. Fortunately, you can prepare yourself for traveling on unfamiliar roads before you ever leave. This can help ensure that you and your family have a smooth and pleasant trip – and that you all make it safely back home.

Before traveling, you should familiarize yourself with these tips for driving in unfamiliar places.

Familiarize Yourself With Your Route.

Prior to hitting the road, make sure that you take time to do some research about the journey to your destination as well as where the attractions you would like to visit are located in relation to where you will be staying. You should pull up Google Maps on your phone and take a look at the map. You can even use the street view mode to view the route as though you were there. Additionally, be aware that Florida has more toll roads than any other state. This preparation can help you feel less overwhelmed when driving in an unfamiliar area as you may even recognize street names and sights.

Abide by Legal Stipulations.

This includes paying attention to road signs, speed limits, and making sure that you use your turn signals. This can help you become aware of dangerous conditions such as sharp curves ahead and help you alert the drivers around you to what you are planning. Even with you abiding by legal stipulations, there is a good chance that at some point along the way, you will miss your turn or drive past your exit. Continue to remain calm and you will reach your destination.

Don’t Depend on Your GPS.

While global positioning systems (GPS) can be extremely helpful, you should keep in mind that your cell phone signal may not be as intact throughout your entire route as it is when you are sitting in your house. You will probably be traveling through rural areas at some point during your journey where your service will probably be poor. And in 2017, 47 percent of the accidents that happened in this country were in rural areas. And even when your GPS is working, ensure that you allow your passenger to navigate for you if you’re traveling with another person.

Avoid Distracted Driving.

Your focus should be the road whenever you are driving in an unfamiliar area. For example, while you should never text and drive, you definitely shouldn’t attempt it during your first time driving on a road when conditions can unexpectedly change. Similarly, while there is nothing wrong with enjoying an alcoholic beverage or two while vacationing, you should never attempt to drive on unfamiliar roads after drinking. This is the time to turn your music down, stay off the phone, and pay attention to the road.

Allow Us to Help.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence while driving in an unfamiliar place, then allow us to help. Contact the experienced Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys of The Pendas Law Firm today and we will help you recover the compensation you are entitled to.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Tampa, Orlando, Miami, Fort Myers, Daytona, Jacksonville, and Bradenton areas.

Resource:

iihs.org/iihs/topics/t/roadway-and-environment/fatalityfacts/roadway-and-environment

https://www.pendaslaw.com/understanding-what-to-do-after-a-car-accident-where-your-child-is-present/