Questions and Answers About Summer Driving Safety

We have put together a list of questions and answers about summer driving safety to help make the roads in Orlando a little safe for everyone. If you have additional questions or would like more information about any of the topics on this page please call our office anytime at 407-422-4529. We are here to help before and after an auto accident happens.

What are the child safety passenger guidelines in Florida?

The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Florida Department of Transportation, agree that no trip is ever too short to not buckle up. Everyone, including adults and children should be properly secured at all times when riding in a car. In Florida, it’s the law.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3 out of every 4 child safety seats are not properly installed. To ensure that children are properly buckled in:

• Infants should always be secured in a rear facing car seat;
• Young children between the ages of 1-4 (20-40 lbs) should sit in a front facing car seat in the back seat;
• Older children under 4’9″ should utilize a booster seat.

All children younger than 12 should sit in the back seat, which is the safest place for them in your vehicle. For more information about Florida child passenger safety, visit: http://www.flhsmv.gov/FHP/CPS/

How can I prepare myself for a roadside emergency?

Prepare an Emergency Roadside Kit for your vehicle. It should include jumper cables, rope or cord, a flash light, bottled water and reflectors. If you need to stop or have a breakdown, these items are necessary and will come in handy. Always keep roadside assistance and emergency numbers readily available.

How can I safe proof my vehicle when traveling with luggage?

Keep loose items secured or in the trunk. Cargo nets or clamps can be used to secure luggage and keep it from becoming a dangerous projectile in the event of a collision. Store purses and bags for immediate use on the vehicle floor either in the passenger side or back floors. NEVER place items on the floorboards of the driver’s side.

What are some ways to deal with road rage?

Summertime means greater road congestion and the higher likelihood of impatient drivers. Beware of road rage and if you feel yourself becoming frustrated, take a break from driving by pulling over or letting another person take the wheel. Be prepared for the unexpected. With summer come more traffic congestion, construction zones, possible road closures, delays, detours and accidents. Give yourself extra time to account for these potential situations, which will help prevent becoming stressed behind the wheel.

What are some tips to follow when using social media after a car accident?

• Prepare for your claim. Before you submit your claim, take time to review your social media accounts and remove any posts, comments, videos, or photos that could be used by insurance adjusters to discredit your claim.
• Never post any information about your accident. Do not post photos of your accident, discuss your claim or share any updates with your friends or followers online. Doing this can jeopardize your case and have a negative impact on your settlement.
• Adjust your privacy settings. You can always adjust your privacy settings to allow just friends and family to view what you post. It is important to note that even with privacy settings in place, there is still risk.
• Warning to friends and family. “Tagging” is a popular feature used in social media. Caution friends and family members to NOT tag you in activities or at certain places that can jeopardize your accident claim.
• No posts about vacations or physical activities. If your case is pending, posts detailing vacations or activities involving physical endurance, such as camping, boating, skiing, a trip to a theme park, etc. can devalue your claim- even if you are still in pain from the accident.
• Minimize or completely discontinue your activity online. Temporarily disable or close your social media accounts while your case is pending. The best advice is to stop using social media completely until your case is closed.
• Be careful of new friend requests. Do not accept any new friend requests or connections from people you do not know personally. It could be an insurance adjuster or opposing counsel on the other end of that friend request.

Help Keep Our Orlando Roads Safe This Summer

Summer is a time for family, fun and vacations! With more drivers on the road this summer, the chances of being involved in a car accident increase. Following simple safety tips can help you and your loved ones arrive and return from your vacation safely. The experienced Orlando Auto Accident Law Firm of Michael T. Gibson, P.A. is dedicated to protecting the rights of those involved in automobile accidents. We can help you obtain compensation for medical bills, future medical treatment, property damage, loss of wages, pain and suffering, etc. Feel free to fill out our quick contact form on our website to discuss your legal options in greater detail.