Avoiding Personal Injuries – Spring Vacation Safety Tips for Travelers in Atlanta, Georgia

As the weather begins to warm, students go on spring break, and the rest of us enjoy the fair weather and beauty of springtime, many of us start to think about getting away. A spring road trip can be an excellent way to get yourself, and your family, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life in Atlanta, but spring travel comes with unique risks.  In order to ensure that you have safe travels and avoid personal injuries, we’re bringing you our spring vacation safety tips courtesy of the personal injury attorneys at John B. Jackson, serving Atlanta, Georgia.

Vacation Safety Tips: Follow the Rules of the Road

The traffic laws in most states are fairly similar, but some states have some key differences.  Before you leave on your road trip, it is a good practice to familiarize yourself with some of the different traffic laws in each state you’ll be visiting. In some states, for instance, it is required that all traffic move to the left lane for a vehicle stopped on the right-hand shoulder, and some states have harsher laws regarding seat belt use than others. In general, it is always advisable to wear your seat belt, obey the speed limit, do not follow other vehicles too closely, and of course, never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

For Safe Travel, Stay Up to Date on Vehicle Maintenance

For reducing the risk of incident and injury on the road, it is very important that you keep your vehicle in good working order. Before leaving on any road trip, always check your tires and basic fluid levels. If you’re due for an oil change or other vehicle maintenance item, get it done before you leave. A properly maintained vehicle can minimize the potential for problems during your trip.

Watch Out for Potholes

The winter months have a tendency to be very harsh on roads, and can leave potholes that weren’t there before.  While most of us have hit a pothole or two in our time behind the wheel, these road hazards are a vacation safety risk, as they can damage your tires or vehicle in unexpected ways.  For instance, it is possible that a pothole can cause a blowout, potentially leading to an accident and the need for a personal injury attorney in Atlanta, Georgia.

Vacation Safety Tip: Be Aware of (and Follow) Local Alcohol Laws

Alcohol laws are similar to traffic laws in that most states have fairly similar guidelines, but some state and local regulations regarding alcohol possession or use can vary in surprising ways. In addition to make sure you obey all the local traffic laws, it is important that you make sure you’re in compliance with state and local alcohol laws to ensure safe travel this spring. This includes making sure you know where and when you are permitted to drink alcohol.  In some areas, it is prohibited to drink alcohol outdoors, for instance. By breaking local alcohol laws, it is possible to find yourself placed under arrest and in need of an attorney – even if you’re over 21, and not driving.

Take Care to Avoid Personal Injuries During Your Spring Travels

Every spring, many people take to the roads for family vacations, spring break road trips, and other exciting travel opportunities.  Wherever your spring vacation takes you, the personal injury lawyers here at John B. Jackson want to make sure that you have safe travels with these vacation safety tips.  Vacations are supposed to be fun, but they also come with the very real potential for personal injuries, and personal injury lawsuits. Here are some of the most common situations resulting in personal injury during a vacation:

• Swimming pool accidents. Hotel pools typically do not have lifeguards present at all times, or not enough lifeguards for the number of people swimming. Everyone likes to have a good time, but horseplay in the water, running on wet surfaces near the pool, and diving into a pool that isn’t safe for diving can easily result in serious injury. Observe all the pool safety rules and make sure you stay safe.
• Amusement park accidents. The potential for personal injuries at an amusement park is as real as it is anywhere else, particularly when the safety of rides or attractions has not been properly attended to.
• Slip and fall accidents. These personal injury cases can occur anywhere – on a beach boardwalk, in a shopping mall, or even just on the street. Slip and fall accidents are more common in areas with dense crowds, especially if alcohol is a factor.
• Skiing or boating accidents. If you’re taking a ski trip this spring, make sure to stay safe on the slopes and don’t attempt a more difficult run than your ability. In addition, alcohol and skis often make for a dangerous combination – and the same can be said for alcohol and boats.
• Hotel accidents.  Personal injuries can occur in a hotel, whether due to carelessness, negligence on the part of a guest or hotel staff, alcohol, inadequate security, or other factors.

Consult with a Georgia Personal Injury Attorney If You Are Injured During Spring Vacation

Stay safe this spring if you’re taking a trip, and if you are injured while on vacation, contact the personal injury attorneys here at John B. Jackson in Atlanta, GA.