Stay Safe During Spring Break

Spring is in the air, and a much-needed break from school and work activities is just around the corner for many Americans. While it’s great to get away and relax, safety should still be of the utmost concern during this annual respite. Keep the following tips in mind as you head out on vacation.

Getting Ready for the Road

Before hitting the highway for a road trip, the Houston car accident attorneys at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P., Accident & Injury Lawyers advise Spring Breakers to have routine vehicle maintenance up-to-date. Have your car inspected for road-readiness, and keep emergency supplies with you in case of a breakdown, including:

• Cell phone
• Fire extinguisher
• Hazard lights/flares
• Tire gauge
• Jack and lug wrench
• Foam tire sealant
• Spare fuses
• Jumper cables
• Flashlight
• Water
• Non-perishable snacks (energy bars, beef jerky, etc.)
• Blankets

Plan your route in advance, and take breaks periodically if you’re traveling a long distance.

Avoid Drinking and Driving

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that alcohol-related car accidents kill someone approximately every 31 minutes and injure someone every two minutes.

In Texas alone, there were 24,175 impaired-driving traffic crashes in 2014. These crashes resulted in a total of 2,292 serious injuries and 969 deaths.

The Houston drunk driving accident attorneys at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris know that Spring Break is a prime time for drinking at college destination spots. While it can be fun to have a few drinks with your friends, remember to do so responsibly with the following:

• Designate a sober driver
• Alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Keep the number of a cab company handy

If you are injured by a driver who has been drinking, contact a Houston drunk driving attorney right away to protect your legal rights.

Use Property Safety Gear

Spring Break is a great time to try new things, but don’t take unnecessary risks. Use appropriate safety gear for the activities you will be engaging in, including seatbelts, life vests, knee pads, goggles, etc.

More Americans age 30 and under die of accidental injuries than any other cause of death, but most accidents can be avoided with careful planning and attention.

The Houston accident attorneys at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris hope you have a fun and safe spring break. If an accident does occur and you need legal guidance, contact us anytime for a free consultation.