During the summer months, millions of people take to the road to enjoy family time together. Most of the time, things go off without a hitch. You and your family have a camera card and a brain filled with wonderful memories. However, with more and more people on the road the risk of accidents tends to rise. Here are 8 easy tips to ensure that you stay safe while traveling:
1. Drive the speed limit - According to the Federal Highway Administration, your risk of involvement in a fatal accident is approximately 1% when driving 55 mph. That risk rises to 7% with only a 5 mph increase in speed. As far as non-fatal accidents are concerned, it is estimated that there are 3 million new cases of whiplash and whiplash associated disorders every year.
2. Service your car before you leave - An unexpected auto repair can cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars, not to mention precious hours, days and sometimes weeks. If your car breaks down while away from home, these losses are magnified many times over. A simple check up before the trip can remedy small problems before they become big problems.
3. Get a good night's sleep - Driver fatigue is a major cause of accidents. Be sure you start the day well rested. Get a good night's sleep and have a healthy breakfast before starting out. Try to avoid foods with high sugar content to prevent the inevitable "crash" that occurs due to the rapid rise and fall of blood sugar levels.
4. Take frequent breaks - Studies have shown that driving while tired or drowsy is equal to driving while drunk. Prolonged driving can also aggravate lower back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions. Taking frequent breaks helps stretch the body and focus the mind.
5. Obey local driving laws - Seems like a "no-brainer" but be aware that speed limits and other laws can change quickly, especially near border areas of states and counties. Just like having an auto repair away from home, having legal trouble away from home is extremely inconvenient and frustrating.
6. Do not engage with aggressive drivers - Road rage has been a buzzword for a while now, but the stories of assaults or worse are far too common these days. Please be considerate of others in their cars and try not to let the actions of other drivers get under your skin. Every last one of us engages in questionable driving maneuvers from time to time. Remember that the other drivers have families too. Don't do something you'll regret later.
7. Enforce seat belt use - It cannot be overstated that seat belts SAVE LIVES. In addition to buckling up, please make sure that any and all passengers are buckled up or restrained in a car or booster seat. NEVER remove a baby from their car seat while driving and do not allow children to climb throughout the vehicle while it is moving.
8. Be wary of trucks - We all have to share the road. Remember that 18 wheeler and other large vehicles are not as maneuverable as your sedan or coupe. Give them a wide berth and don't attempt to "draft" them or follow too closely. If you cannot see their mirrors, they cannot see you. Its not just a saying.
When accidents do occur, whiplash injuries are often the result of the neck being forced past its normal range of motion. This causes damage to the muscles, ligaments, and even the fibers of the intervertebral disc. Symptoms of whiplash include neck and shoulder pain, headache, difficulty moving the head and swelling.
Chiropractic remains the treatment of choice for millions of those that have sustained whiplash injuries. Most patients see faster and longer lasting results when compared to other treatments.
Enjoy the road!
Dr. Louis S. Crivelli II
Chiropractor
Greenbelt, MD
