Safe Driving During Spring Break
Written by Cooper & Friedman PLLC on March 11, 2025
March is a popular time for schools across the country to let students out for spring break. From elementary school to universities, spring break is a time for relaxation, fun, and sometimes, adventure. Families, teens, and young adults all hit the road around the same time in the last weeks of March and first weeks of April. With this uptick in cars on the road, it’s important to remember that while spring break is filled with excitement, it can also come with risks. Accidents and collisions occur more frequently with distracted driving and driving under the influence. Some key tips for safe driving to keep in mind this spring break include:
1. Watch Out for Work Zones
Springtime often brings road construction season. Road crews start to become a common sight on roads in the spring. When you see construction zones, it’s crucial to slow down and pay extra attention. These areas are often unpredictable, with changes in traffic flow and workers on or near the road. Always stay alert and follow posted signs. Safety for both you and road workers should be your top priority.
2. Share the Road
As the weather warms up, more motorcyclists, bikers, and pedestrians take to the streets. It’s important to remember that all road users, whether on foot, bike, motorcycle, or in a passenger vehicle, are trying to get to their destination safely. Be cautious and aware of others sharing the road, especially in high-traffic areas. Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, keep a safe distance from cyclists, and always watch for motorcyclists. Safe driving during spring break helps to protect you, your passengers, and everyone you pass on the road.
3. Limit Passengers for New Drivers
For teens and young adults, passengers can be just as distracting as mobile phones. In fact, many states limit the number of passengers a new driver can have. The more passengers in the vehicle, the greater the potential for distractions. If you are a parent, consider setting your own restrictions regarding passengers. Safe driving during spring break requires focus, and the fewer distractions, the better.
4. Buckle Up
Wearing a seat belt is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself in the event of a crash. The best way to stay safe is to prevent a collision in the first place, but if a crash happens, a seat belt is your best defense. Make sure everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seat belt at all times, even on short trips. Children should be in an appropriate car seat, booster seat, or similar. Buckling up reduces the risk of injury or death significantly in an accident.
5. Never Drive Under the Influence
If you plan to consume alcohol or drugs during spring break, make sure to designate a sober driver in advance. Driving under the influence is not only illegal, but it also severely impairs your ability to make sound decisions and react quickly on the road. Always plan ahead so that you, your friends, and other drivers or pedestrians get home safely. There’s no excuse for driving while impaired.
6. Be Sure Your Vehicle is Reliable Enough for Your Trip
Before heading out for a spring break road trip, make sure your vehicle is in good condition. A well-maintained vehicle is a safer vehicle. Have your tires, brakes, exterior lights, battery, air filters, wipers, and fluid levels checked. Don’t forget to bring along an emergency kit that includes an inflated spare tire, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, and a phone charger.
7. Don’t Follow Other Vehicles Too Closely
Tailgating is one of the leading causes of accidents, especially in high-traffic situations. Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. If the vehicle slows down suddenly, you want enough space to stop without causing a crash. Keep a safe following distance and practice defensive driving, especially when driving around large vehicles like semi-trucks that have limited maneuverability, longer stopping distances, and larger blind spots. If you need to pass a semi-truck, do so quickly but safely, and never linger in their blind spots. Always keep your distance to avoid dangerous situations.
8. Avoid Distractions While Driving
Distracted driving is dangerous and can be deadly. Avoid using your phone to text or talk while driving, and keep your focus on the road. Other distractions include eating, drinking, or fiddling with the radio or GPS system. Be sure to input your destination ahead of time, and either pre-route stopping points or have a passenger put any changes in for you.
Cooper and Friedman, Louisville, KY Car Accident Lawyers
Spring break trips should be a fun time filled with memories, not accidents. By following safe driving practices, you can help keep yourself and others protected. However, sometimes, accidents are not your fault. If you were in a wreck over spring break, be sure to contact a car accident attorney quickly so that you get the compensation you deserve.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in the State of Kentucky and are in need of an experienced motor vehicle collision attorney, give the lawyers at the Cooper & Friedman law firm a call. The attorneys at Cooper and Friedman PLLC have over 50 years of combined experience defending the rights of car accident victims. Contact us with questions you might have or schedule a free case consultation with an attorney by calling 502-459-7555 today.