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What steps should families take to avoid vacation-related highway accidents this summer?

Heavy highway traffic during summer travel season, a common setting for vacation-related highway accidents handled by attorneys at Team Law.

Summer is prime time for road trips—whether you’re heading to Point Pleasant Beach for a weekend by the beach or cruising toward Asbury Park’s boardwalk. But with more vehicles on the road and drivers eager to reach their destinations, vacation-related highway accidents often spike. These collisions can turn a fun family vacation into a nightmare in seconds. 

In this post, we’ll explain why highway accidents happen more frequently during summer travel, highlight a few popular New Jersey destinations, and share practical steps your family can take to stay safe on the road.

Why Do Highway Accidents Spike During Summer Travel?

Families tend to hit the highways more often in summer, which means increased traffic volume and a higher chance of distracted or fatigued drivers. Several factors contribute to vacation-related highway accidents:

  • Heavy Traffic and Congestion: Major routes leading away from urban centers fill up with holiday travelers. Stop-and-go conditions can lead to rear-end collisions, especially near exits to popular destinations.
  • Driver Fatigue: Long drives without breaks impair reaction times. A driver who’s been behind the wheel for hours, tackling monotonous stretches of interstate, is more likely to miss braking cues or drift into another lane.
  • Distractions Inside the Car: Navigating, changing playlists, or managing restless children can all divert attention from the road. Even a few seconds of taking your eyes off traffic can result in catastrophic rear-end or side-impact collisions.
  • Unpredictable Weather: Summer thunderstorms pop up quickly, reducing visibility and making roads slippery. Encountering sudden downpours near Belmar or along the Garden State Parkway can catch drivers off-guard and increase the risk of hydroplaning.

When you combine high traffic volume with driver fatigue and distractions, it’s no surprise that highway accidents rise during summer vacations. Recognizing these risks is the first step toward preventing them.

Similar Post: Distracted Driving Accidents in New Jersey: How to Prove the Other Driver Was at Fault

Pre-Trip Vehicle Checks to Prevent Highway Accidents

A well-maintained vehicle is less likely to experience a mechanical failure that contributes to highway accidents. Before you leave for your summer getaway, take time to perform a thorough pre-trip inspection:

  • Tire Condition and Pressure: Examine all four tires for uneven tread wear or visible damage. Inflate tires to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI. Underinflated or bald tires are more prone to blowouts, especially on hot asphalt.
  • Brake System: Test brake responsiveness in a safe area. Listen for any squeaks, grinding, or delayed braking—all signs that pads or rotors may need replacement.
  • Fluid Levels: Check engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Low fluid levels can lead to engine overheating or impaired braking performance, increasing the likelihood of highway accidents.
  • Lights and Signals: Verify that headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are functioning properly. Failing bulbs can reduce your visibility to other drivers, particularly during dusk or nighttime driving.

Taking these steps can help you avoid roadside breakdowns and keep your vehicle operating safely. When traveling crowded corridors—like the Garden State Parkway en route to the Jersey Shore—making sure your car is road-ready adds peace of mind and reduces the risk of unexpected issues.

Safe Driving Habits to Reduce Highway Accidents

Even with a fully serviced vehicle, driver behavior is key to preventing vacation-related highway accidents. Adopt the following safe-driving practices:

  • Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Keep at least three seconds of space between you and the vehicle ahead. In high-speed highway conditions, this buffer allows for adequate braking time if traffic suddenly slows.
  • Avoid Aggressive Maneuvers: Frequent lane changes, tailgating, and sudden acceleration can startle other drivers and lead to collisions. Instead, plan your exits and lane positions in advance, especially near popular vacation hubs like Atlantic City.
  • Plan Regular Breaks: Schedule a 15–20 minute rest stop every two hours. Stretching, hydrating, and taking a quick walk will help you stay alert. Fatigue is a huge factor in highway accidents; don’t underestimate the value of a short break.
  • Limit In-Car Distractions: Assign one passenger to handle GPS adjustments and playlist selections. Encourage children to use headphones for movies or games so they don’t become a source of distraction.
  • Adjust to Weather Changes: If you encounter rain or a sudden thunderstorm—common along coastal routes—slow down, turn on your headlights, and increase your following distance. Wet roads drastically reduce traction, making hydroplaning more likely.

By practicing defensive driving and staying focused, families can significantly lower their risk of highway accidents. After all, vacations are meant to be enjoyable—prioritizing safe driving helps ensure a stress-free trip.

Choosing Safer Routes to Avoid Highway Accidents

Not all highways carry the same level of risk. Some thoroughfares see heavier vacation traffic, while others offer smoother drives with fewer hazards. Investing time in route planning can help your family avoid known trouble spots.

  • Use Real-Time Traffic Apps: Leverage Waze, Google Maps, or local traffic alerts to monitor congestion. If you see backups leading to a popular beach town, consider an alternate route that skirts around the busiest exits.
  • Identify Reliable Rest Areas: Plan stops at well-lit, secure rest areas every 100 miles. Stopping in poorly maintained or deserted locations increases the risk of accidents and liability issues if your car is disabled.
  • Explore Scenic Byways: When time allows, take scenic coastal roads that parallel major highways. While speed limits may be lower, these routes often have less traffic during peak vacation weekends, reducing the likelihood of rear-end highway accidents.
  • Avoid Construction Zones: Summer is construction season on I-95, the Garden State Parkway, and other major arteries. Check the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) website for up-to-date roadwork schedules. Knowing where construction is active allows you to plan detours and sidestep congested work zones.

Thoughtful route selection not only makes your drive safer but can also enhance the enjoyment of your trip. Just imagine cruising along a quiet shoreline byway instead of sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic on the Parkway.

Preparing Your Family to Prevent Highway Accidents

Preventing vacation-related highway accidents isn’t just about the driver. Every family member has a role to play in maintaining safety on the road.

  1. Driver Preparation
    • Rest Well Before Departure: Aim for at least seven hours of sleep the night before—driving drowsy is almost as dangerous as driving drunk.
    • Avoid Alcohol and Heavy Meals Before Driving: Even a small amount of alcohol impairs judgment. Heavy meals can induce fatigue, which is a hidden contributor to highway accidents.
    • Use Sun Protection: Glare from the sun—especially early morning or late afternoon—can blind a driver. Wear polarized sunglasses and adjust sun visors as needed.
  2. Passenger Responsibilities
    • Minimize Distractions: Encourage children to stay engaged in quiet activities (books or handheld games with headphones) rather than calling out to the driver.
    • Assist With Navigation: Let an adult or mature teen manage GPS input and map reading. This frees the driver to keep their eyes on traffic.
    • Pack an Emergency Kit: Include bottled water, nonperishable snacks, a basic first-aid kit, and roadside essentials (flares, reflective triangles, a flashlight). Being prepared reduces panic if you need to pull over on a busy highway.
  3. Child Safety Seats and Seat Belts
    • Ensure that all car seats and booster seats are installed correctly. According to New Jersey law, children under age 8 (or shorter than 57 inches) must be secured in a federally approved child restraint system.
    • Make sure every passenger is buckled up before you pull onto the highway. Even low-speed highway accidents can cause serious injuries if occupants aren’t properly restrained.

By communicating expectations and assigning responsibilities, you create a team effort that supports safe driving and minimizes the chances of vacation-related highway accidents.

What to Do If You Are Involved in a New Jersey Highway Accident

Despite all precautions, accidents can still happen. Knowing how to respond can help protect your family’s health and preserve evidence if you need to pursue a claim.

  1. Ensure Safety First
    • If you can, move your vehicle to the shoulder or a safe area out of traffic. Turn on your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers.
    • Check yourself and passengers for injuries. If anyone is seriously hurt—complaints of neck pain, heavy bleeding, or loss of consciousness—call 911 right away.
  2. Call 911 and the Police
    • Reporting the accident creates an official record, which can be crucial if liability is disputed later.
    • An officer’s crash report will include details such as time, location, weather conditions, and statements from all parties involved.
  3. Document the Scene
    • Use your smartphone to take clear photos of vehicle positions, damage, skid marks, and any road hazards (potholes, debris).
    • Exchange names, phone numbers, insurance information, and license plate numbers with the other driver(s). Ask eyewitnesses for their contact details—bystander testimony can be invaluable in proving fault.
  4. Seek Medical Attention If Injured
    • Even if injuries seem minor, some trauma (like whiplash or internal bleeding) can manifest hours or days later. Visit an urgent care center or emergency department as soon as possible if you are injured.
    • Keep all medical records, bills, and doctor’s notes. Proper documentation is essential for your injury claim.
  5. Notify Insurance and Consult an Attorney
    • Call your insurance company to report the crash, but avoid giving recorded statements before talking to a lawyer.
    • Contact Team Law for a free consultation. An experienced New Jersey personal injury attorney can evaluate your case, explain your rights, and advise next steps—whether negotiating with insurers or filing a lawsuit for compensation.

Taking these actions preserves evidence, protects your legal rights, and ensures your family’s well-being after a highway accident.

Similar Post: After the Crash: Steps to Take If You’re Injured in a New Jersey Car Accident

Were You Injured in a NJ Highway Accident? Team Law Can Help You Recover Compensation

Don’t let a vacation-related highway accident derail your future. If you or a loved one has been injured in a summer travel crash, the seasoned New Jersey personal injury attorneys at Team Law are ready to help. We offer:

  • Free, No-Obligation Case Evaluations
  • 24/7 Phone Support: Call us at 732-896-2560
  • Convenient Office Locations: Serving clients throughout New Jersey, including Jersey City, Perth Amboy and Union City.

Whether your accident happened on a crowded Parkway en route to Sandy Hook or near a busy exit heading toward Ocean City, we’ll fight to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Contact Team Law today—because you deserve justice and the chance to focus on what matters most: healing and making new summer memories.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.

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