Now that Thanksgiving is close, safety advocacy agencies are sharing driving tips, and with good reason. The roads will be filled with millions of drivers, increasing the chances for minor and major car accidents. The big holiday travel period will start the Wednesday before the holiday and will not end until early Monday morning. What can you do to protect yourself and your loved ones while traveling for the holiday?

Prep Yourself and Your Car

A few days before the trip, take your car in for a tune-up, or perform some maintenance at home. Check your tire pressure and treads, and test the car’s battery. Top off your fluids, fill up the gas tank, and make sure that the lights are working. This is also a good time to look over your emergency kit. If you do not have one, now is the time to put one together.

An emergency kit should have bottled water, non-perishable snacks, a phone charger, flashlights, extra batteries, warning triangles, jumper cables, and small tools. If you will be driving to an area that could be impacted by snow, bring along blankets, hats gloves, sand or cat litter, and a shovel. It is also wise to have a first aid kit, extra clothes, and cleaning rags.

Eliminate Distractions

Cellphones take your focus away from the road, so make sure to turn on Do Not Disturb mode before driving. Also, enter your route into the GPS before starting the car.

Additionally, make sure that your passengers have things to keep them occupied, like books or toys for young occupants. Every passenger needs to be buckled as well.

Avoid Peak Travel Times

Avoiding peak travel times can make the trip more tolerable, but this is not always possible. The worst travel times are usually Wednesday evening, Thursday morning, and Sunday night.

If you have no choice, getting into the right mindset can help. Hitting bad traffic is likely, so try to be patient and accept the fact that you might be late. The main goal is to arrive safely.

Drive Defensively

Other drivers might be aggressive or dangerous, but you do not have to follow suit. Avoid tailgating and speeding, and keep a safe distance from other vehicles. Follow traffic signs, and designate a passenger to answer your phone.

When you encounter oversized vehicles like tractor-trailers, give them extra room, as their blind spots are larger and they have longer stopping distances. Only pass large trucks and other vehicles when it is safe to do so, and remember to use your turn signal.

Take a Break

Another important safety tip is to take regular breaks when you are traveling for Thanksgiving; this benefits everyone. You and your passengers can stretch out your legs, grab a coffee, have a snack, or take a walk. Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as driving under the influence.

Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow Support Safe Driving Practices This Thanksgiving

Even the most conscientious drivers get into auto accidents, and the risks increase during holidays. If you need help after a car crash, speak with one of our Wilmington car accident lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow. Call us at 302-427-9500 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation. We have offices in Wilmington, Bear, Milford, and Lewes, Delaware. With offices in all three counties of Delaware, we serve clients throughout the state.

There are many different things competing for one’s attention when behind the wheel. It takes focus, concentration, and dedication to safely drive, but even the most vigilant motorists cannot control how others behave on the road. Recognizing common causes of distracted driving accidents and how you can help prevent one from happening is well worth your time to learn about.

Texting

The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that about 1.6 million car accidents each year are caused by distracted driving. Nearly one out of four accidents are caused by texting.

While it is hard to ignore a text notification, reading it or sending a response will take your eyes from the road for at least five seconds. If you are driving 55 miles per hour, this can be compared to driving the entire length of a football field with your eyes shut; imagine how much worse that is when speeding.

Eating, Drinking, and Grooming

One reason why drive-throughs are so popular is because people try to save time by eating in their car. While a quick lunch in the driver’s seat can certainly save time, your hands and eyes are necessary to eat and drink. Messy foods are hard to eat in the first place, and eating while steering a vehicle in a confined space is very risky. Spilling a hot drink onto your lap could be even more dangerous.

Another time-saving activity for drivers is looking into the mirror to comb hair, floss teeth, and other kinds of grooming. Some people even try to apply eye makeup while driving.

Smoking

You might not think that smoking is a distraction, but lighting up a cigarette and putting ashes into an ashtray cause you to take your eyes off the road. Sometimes, burning ashes fall onto a driver’s lap or the floor as well.

Roadside Distractions

Another way that drivers lose focus is the pull of external distractions. This includes everything from a bright billboard to rubbernecking to see a crash on the side of the road.

Car Features

The inside of your car has many features that can be distracting. Drivers are always changing music stations, adjusting temperature controls, and fiddling with other features on their dashboards.

How Can I Avoid a Distracted Driving Accident?

Multitasking while driving is a stubborn habit to break for many people. Here are some tips for breaking the habit:

• Put your cellphone on Do Not Disturb mode before turning on your car. If you are expecting important messages, pull over after a set amount of time and check.
• Input your destination into your GPS before driving. Check the weather and traffic reports, and plan alternate timeframes or routes if needed.
• Set your music and climate controls before leaving.
• If you must eat on the road, pull over somewhere safe to do so.
• If you are constantly running late, set your alarm clock earlier so you will have enough time.
• Keep your pets in carriers, or secure them safely in the rear of the car.
• Never drive while fatigued or stressed.

Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow Can Help You if You Were Involved in a Distracted Driving Accident

Giving your full attention to the task of driving is crucial, but you cannot control other motorists. If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, consult with one of our Wilmington car accident lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow. Call us at 302-427-9500 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We are located in Wilmington, Bear, Milford, and Lewes, Delaware. With offices in all three counties of Delaware, we serve clients throughout the state.

Halloween is a fun holiday for many families. However, Halloween also comes with driving dangers. There will be an increase in traffic, and drivers will see many pedestrians in popular trick-or-treating areas. Many adults will attend Halloween parties as well, increasing the likelihood of drunk driving car accidents.

Additionally, the combination of limited visibility due to darkness and an increase in the number of pedestrians makes driving on Halloween evening even more difficult and dangerous. Fortunately, some safety precautions can help you avoid a Halloween accident.

Plan Accordingly

Halloween falls on a Monday this year, which means many people will be celebrating the holiday throughout the weekend. Many neighborhoods or communities might hold early trick-or-treating events as well.

You should try to learn when and where events are scheduled that might affect your normal travels. A busy Halloween event might create more traffic and make driving especially difficult. When you know when and where local events are scheduled, you can plan to stay away from them by taking alternate routes.

Follow the Rules of the Road

Exceeding the posted speed limit on busy roads and when pedestrian activity is high creates dangers. You should try to abide by the posted speed limits and follow other vehicles at a safe distance to help prevent accidents.

Running a stop light or a stop sign on Halloween could be dangerous for pedestrians. Disregarding traffic lights and stop signs could cause you to hit someone who is trying to cross the street on Halloween night or during an early trick-or-treating event.

Watch Out for Pedestrians and Parked Vehicles

On Halloween night, you should be extra careful when driving between sunset and about 8:00 p.m. The two hours following sunset are the most active for trick-or-treaters and their chaperones.

You should pay close attention to the sidewalks, crosswalks, and road shoulders so that you know when pedestrians are close. A child might run into the roadway for just about any reason.

You also should watch for vehicles that are pulling away from or backing out of parking spaces and driveways. The drivers might be distracted or otherwise not see you.

Maintain Your Vehicle

If you have a headlight that is out, worn tires, or other mechanical issues with your vehicle, you should leave it at home. Only a well-maintained is safe to drive.

You should make sure all of your vehicle’s lights are working and replace them if they are not. You need headlights to see and be seen while driving, and you need working brake lights and taillights so that other drivers know what you are doing. All of these things are important, especially since winter will be coming soon.

Taking some simple safety precautions can help you avoid a Halloween car accident. Another motorist, though, might thwart your efforts and cause an accident due to no fault of your own. If this happens, it is advisable to seek legal advice from a lawyer.

Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow Help Those Who Have Been Injured in Halloween Crashes

Driving on Halloween can be dangerous. If you become injured in a crash, you can speak with one of our experienced Wilmington car accident lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow. Call us at 302-427-9500 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We are located in Wilmington, Bear, Milford, and Lewes, Delaware. With offices in all three counties of Delaware, we serve clients throughout the state.

Whenever a car accident occurs, obtaining medical attention is the most important thing to do right away. Some people suffer from hidden injuries that are not readily apparent immediately after an accident. If you experience a headache after a car accident, and especially several days afterward, that might be an indicator of a hidden and potentially serious injury.

Possibly the biggest health threat of headaches after a car accident is the potential of having a traumatic brain injury (TBI). You could suffer a TBI whenever you suffer a blow to your head.

According to the Mayo Clinic, common signs of a TBI include:

• Headaches.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Blurred vision.
• Ringing sound in your ears.
• Feeling drowsy or fatigued.

If your experience headaches that worsen over time, you need to see a doctor right away. Your doctor could do an MRI scan and get a good look at any damage that might have occurred. If a TBI injury is confirmed, you might wind up in the hospital several days after your accident.

Although a headache may be a sign that you have a severe injury like a TBI, it may also just be a side effect from the accident. The mental stress and anxiety of an accident might be enough to cause bad headaches. Regardless, you should always go to a physician after a car accident, especially if you are having any sort of pain or discomfort.

If headaches occur, you should see your doctor and explain the problem. An MRI scan should tell whether or not that is a serious problem. Your doctor also could advise you to take over-the-counter medication that will help to ease the pain or prescribe something stronger if needed.

You might need to take a few days off of work to let your body heal up from the accident. That could be enough to enable your headaches to go away. If not, then you might need to see a specialist to take a closer look at your injuries.

Documenting Your Pain

Headaches after a car accident may indicate that something serious is happening in your body. Even if your doctor says you are in good health and the headaches will go away in time, you need to track them.

Jotting down notes about your headaches each day is helpful. If the headaches contributed to missing work, the loss of income could be reimbursed in an insurance claim or lawsuit. An experienced car accident lawyer is the best resource for helping document evidence of your car accident injury. If you want to find out your legal options after a car accident, speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow Help Clients Suffering From Crash-Related Head Injuries

If you are suffering from a severe accident-related head injury, seek legal advice from one of our Wilmington car accident lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow. Call us at 302-427-9500 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We are located in Wilmington, Bear, Milford, and Lewes, Delaware. With offices in all three counties of Delaware, we serve clients throughout the state.

Fall brings brilliant autumn leaves, breathable cool air, and an amazing October sky. Unfortunately, fall also creates a different set of driving conditions that could increase the chances of having an accident if a driver does not take the proper precautions.

The weather conditions and other variables during the fall season, which this year is September 22 to December 21, go from bad to worse; as a result, drivers need to make adjustments that go from cautious to high alert. From back to school to falling leaves, and early sunsets to freezing weather, the fall ushers in conditions that are different and more dangerous for drivers than the preceding summer season.

Whether you are taking a pleasure drive or simply driving to or from work, the fall season requires some simple, mindful adjustments to your driving habits. It is necessary, therefore, to take a long look at the dangers of the fall season and what you can do to keep yourself and those around you safe.

What Are the Dangers for Drivers During the Fall?

Because school is in session, the number one concern for drivers during the fall is children sharing the crosswalks and bicycling on the roads. During the morning and afternoon hours, there are children rushing to catch buses and walking to or from school. Many of them are distracted by cell phones, tablets, their friends, or any other of the numerous excitements and distractions on the street. Watch for children even when you are not near a school or park.

Halloween presents an even bigger danger for kids. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, children on Halloween have twice the chance of being hit by a car and killed on Halloween compared to other days of the year. Halloween means copious trick-or-treaters roaming around distracted by the fun.

Autumn leaves fall to the ground, and that means slippery conditions, especially in the colder weather when wet leaves freeze. Accumulations of leaves also cause cars to park away from curves and children to walk close to passing vehicles.

Because of an earlier sunset and sunrise, fall causes many drivers to struggle with sun glare. Momentary blindness for just one second could cause an accident. The potential to hit animals is also greater during the fall. According to Consumer Reports, car insurance claims for hitting animals rise considerably during the fall, which coincides with the deer mating season.

Darkness is a problem for many drivers. Visibility is simply not as good at night as during the day. Many roads have poorly lit areas, and headlight glare only exacerbates the risk of having a nighttime accident. The fact is that more accidents per driver on the road happen at night than during the day.

Overnight freezing is perhaps the most dangerous of all conditions during the fall season. The end of fall can bring winter weather, and that means overnight freezing. Icy roads are more dangerous than any other road condition.

What Are Good Tips for Fall Driving?

First and foremost: take your time, especially in residential areas. In particular, watch for kids running across the street, especially from between cars. Do not drive close to or pass a school bus. When a school bus is stopped, wait until it removes its red signal lights and stop arm.

Prepare your car for the fall weather. Keep your headlights and windshield clean, and replace your windshield wipers if they are not working properly. Also check your tire pressure more frequently, as colder weather deflates them quicker.

Always have a pair of sunglasses handy in case of glare, and slow down or pull over if your vision is affected for any reason.

Be on the lookout for animals, especially at night when driving on roads near wooded areas.

Do not use your high beams in rainy or icy conditions, as doing so could cause a reflection that hits your eyes; it is also dangerous for opposing traffic. It is best to use roads you are familiar with. Be aware of icy patches in the morning, excessive leaves on the ground, and bad weather conditions that warrant staying off the roads.

Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow Represent Those Injured in a Car Accident.

If you have been seriously injured because of a negligent driver or any other reason, you need a serious, competent lawyer. Our experienced Wilmington car accident lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow will fight hard to bring you the compensation you deserve. Call us at 302-427-9500 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Wilmington, Bear, Milford, and Lewes, Delaware, we serve clients throughout the state.

Recovering from a car accident is a difficult process. Even when a person escapes without injury, there is a psychological aspect that can linger. When a person has been injured, however, the recovery takes on a new meaning.

The more damages incurred by a car accident, the more difficult the recovery process becomes for the person injured. Property damage is almost never the main issue for a car accident victim, since a serious accident could leave someone with both physical and emotional damages that can prolong recovery time.

Unfortunately, the process of recovering damages is not an easy one, albeit it might seem as though it would be. If you are injured and are suffering after a car accident, you should be compensated, but it is rarely that simple. That is why it is important to understand how car accident claims work, and what you must do to ensure that you recover the damages that you deserve.

What Types of Damages Are There to Recover?

There are two types of damages that a person can recover from a car accident claim or lawsuit: economic and non-economic damages. There is another type called punitive damages, but that is less common and involves a court finding that the at-fault driver acted extremely recklessly or with malice.

Economic damages are the easiest of the two to recover. They can easily be accounted for because they have monetary value. Economic damages include medical costs, lost wages, future medical costs and wages, property damage, and out-of-pocket expenses.

Non-economic damages are more difficult to recover, because they are more subjective and more difficult to place a price tag on. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium.

What Gives You the Best Chance to Recover Damages?

Delaware is a no-fault car insurance state, but to recover damages in a Delaware court, a plaintiff must not be found more than 50 percent at fault. This is called “modified comparative negligence.” If the plaintiff is found 40 percent at fault, the plaintiff will receive 40 percent less than the full amount.

For the best chance to recover damages, begin by identifying what your damages are. Medical expenses are easy to prove: keep all your bills and receipts, and have your doctor work with you to evaluate what your future medical costs will be. You also want to keep track of your lost wages, including the wages you will miss for any extended amount of time.

Non-economic expenses are trickier to prove. However, if you are experiencing pain and suffering that are affecting your quality of life, you need to come up with a dollar amount. There are different ways to do this.

To value your non-economic expenses, you can estimate the total amount of your economic damages and multiply by two or three times. Although it is not very scientific, it places a value on your emotional state, which most people understand affects your overall well-being. You could also find a similar case to yours and use it as a basis from which to start.

In a court of law, medical records and testimony are critical. Medical records will show the extent of your injuries and the recovery process. A medical expert, such as your doctor or therapist, could shed light on the difficulty normally equated with your particular injury. Personal witnesses may also attest to the pain and suffering you are experiencing.

Recovering non-economic damages depends on how serious or life-altering your injuries are. That is why you should keep detailed records, bring witnesses, and explain any way that your life has been altered. For instance, if you had been physically active before the accident, you could provide video, expenses, club memberships, or witnesses to corroborate your claim that you can no longer do the things you used to do.

Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow Represent Those Injured by a Negligent Driver.

Recovering damages from a car accident requires a competent lawyer. Our experienced Wilmington car accident lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow will fight hard to get you the compensation you deserve. Call us at 302-427-9500 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Wilmington, Bear, Milford, and Lewes, Delaware, we serve clients throughout the state.

Rainy weather makes driving more dangerous. Wet roads affect traction, while the rain and water spray coming off of the tires on other vehicles can reduce visibility. Delaware sees its share of rain and severe storms that can make driving very hazardous. Following safety tips could help you better handle rainy weather and prevent a car accident.

Check Your Tires, Brakes, and Lights

You should check the air pressure and tread condition on each tire before driving in rainy weather. A properly inflated tire will produce the best contact patch with the road surface and expel water. If you have damaged or worn tread, even the correct tire pressure might not be enough to help you maintain traction on wet roads.

You should also ensure the brakes are in good condition and your lights work so that you can see better and so that other drivers can see you.

Inspect Wiper Blades and Fluid

Good wiper blades help you see clearly when driving in the rain and on wet roads. The windshield wipers need to clear away the raindrops. They also need to clear away road grime from your windshield. If your wiper blades do not clear the water and road grime from your windshield, your vision greatly decreases. You might be blinded by the glare from the headlights on oncoming vehicles at night.

Wiper blades are inexpensive and easy to obtain and install. You should also top off the wiper fluid to help keep the windshield clean and clear.

Slow Down and Increase Following Distance

Wet roads make it easier to lose traction and control of your vehicle. You need to slow down and adjust your driving to match the current road conditions.

You also need to increase your following distance so that you do not rear-end another vehicle. Following four car lengths will give you more stopping distance and help you react accordingly to avoid an accident.

Watch for Ice on Overpasses and Bridges

The weather in Delaware can be very cool and rainy in the late fall. Whenever the air temperature is close to freezing, there is a greater potential for ice accumulation.

Because bridges and overpasses are elevated and have no earth to insulate them from cold air and winds, ice usually forms on them first. You should be cautious of icy conditions on overpasses and bridges, and slow down before passing over them.

Beware of Puddles and Flowing Water

Water on the road can conceal many dangers. A puddle might seem harmless, but it could cover a large pothole or debris. You should either slow down or try to go around puddles when you encounter them.

If the rain is causing localized flooding, you should not drive through flooded areas. Even driving very slowly through a flooded section of the road could result in your vehicle being swept away by flowing water.

Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow Help Accident Survivors Who Have Been Injured in Weather-Related Crashes

If you need help after a wreck that was caused by bad weather conditions, speak with one of our experienced Wilmington car accident lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow. Call us at 302-427-9500 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We have offices conveniently located in Wilmington, Bear, Milford, and Lewes, Delaware. With offices in all three counties of Delaware, we serve clients throughout the state.

Four people, including two students, were shot early Saturday morning on the Delaware State University campus, when an unknown gunman fired into a crowd gathered around the outdoor basketball courts. No fatalities were reported and those injured are recovering well, according to Delaware State University President Tony Allen.

Though initial reports provided conflicting narratives of the shooting, the president and DSU Police Chief Bobby Cummings later confirmed that the shooting occurred near 1 a.m. on September 3, 2022, and the gunman fled the scene before police and emergency personnel arrived. A search of the area turned up no suspects and the incident and identity of the shooter are still under investigation, though police report that robbery is a possible motive for the crime.

The school has increased security on campus since the incident, particularly in the area surrounding the basketball courts, including the addition of 30 police officers, identity check stations, and a robust security camera system. Though there are gates in various campus locations that are locked at night, the campus is considered open in many areas and can be accessed by students and visitors at any point.

The school is also providing students with access to additional counselors since the shooting to help those who may be suffering trauma following the weekend shooting.

This is the second shooting on the Delaware State University campus. Two students were shot by a university freshman in 2007, seriously injuring one and killing the second, who never regained consciousness and later died from his injuries one month following the shooting.

The Rhoades & Morrow family are deeply saddened by the news of the shooting that took place on the Delaware State University campus. Our hearts and thoughts go out to those who were injured, all DSU students and their families, faculty, and staff during this difficult and emotional time.

Known by many to be the unofficial ending of summer, Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest holidays of the year. Millions of families are prepping for the school year and may take to the road for one final summer vacation.

Labor Day weekend is one of the most dangerous weekends of the year for drivers. In fact, the National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that Labor Day weekend sees about 400 traffic-related fatalities every year, not to mention the tens of thousands of injuries. Nothing can ruin your holiday quite like a car accident, and with nearly 40 million travelers expected to take to the road this year, here are some Labor Day travelling tips to keep in mind:

• Buckle up: The safest thing you can do before any drive is to buckle up. Seat belts have proven over the past several decades that they have saved countless lives, and they very well may save yours too. This goes for all your passengers in the car; everyone, especially kids, should be in their appropriate seat or child seat and properly secured in. Studies have shown that seat belts are 45 percent more effective in preventing a fatal car accident for all front-seat occupants.
• Do not drink and drive: Drinking and driving is never okay and happens year-round, but because of the number of travelers and partyers on Labor Day weekend, it is an especially dangerous behavior. In recent years, drunk driving fatalities represented almost 30 percent of all traffic-related deaths. Even one alcoholic drink is enough to impair a driver and could cause fatigue, loss of focus, and slowed reaction times. If you plan on drinking on Labor Day weekend, be sure to have a designated driver or a ridesharing app ready to go home and do not drive. If you host a party at your house, make sure your guests can stay at your place or they have a designated driver ready as well. Furthermore, serve plenty of food and stop serving alcohol a few hours before the party ends.
• Limit distractions: Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the country, and with the meteoric rise of smartphones and wireless technology, it is seemingly getting worse every year. Have someone in the car hold the phone and use the GPS for you so you do not have to take your eyes off the road or hands off the steering wheel. Give the kids in the car headphones and tablets so they do not cause a distraction. Remember, any activity that takes your focus from driving is considered a distraction, even eating, and drinking and finding a good radio station. Limit all your distractions as much as possible.
• Plan ahead: Plan to leave at times when it is less busy. If you can, try to leave the Thursday before the weekend starts, or early Friday or Saturday morning between 5 am and 7 am. The deadliest time of the day is between the hours of 6 pm and midnight, so try to avoid being on the road at those times. In 2017, almost 80 percent of Labor Day fatalities occurred at night between sunset and sunrise. Plan your route ahead of time as well, as it can help you focus on driving if you know where you are instead of being confused and stressed because you do not know where you are. On your way home, plan on leaving on Tuesday or Monday before the afternoon rush hour.
• Maintain your vehicle: A good way to be safe on the holiday weekend is to make sure your car is safe as well. A mechanical failure at the wrong time can easily lead to an accident, so regularly maintaining your vehicle is the best way to prevent tires or brakes from failing. Have your oil changed at the correct interval and get your fluids topped off. Have your brakes and tires checked the condition of your hoses and belts, as well as your battery. Your car battery normally has the lifespan of about five years, so if it is around that time, replace it anyway.
• Drive defensively: Driving defensively generally means not to drive aggressively. Always obey traffic laws, especially the speed limit, as it is common to go above it without realizing it. Leave enough room between yourself and other vehicles to give yourself enough reaction time, and more room if the conditions are poor. Do not cut off larger vehicles, as they have a harder time to stop, and be aware and avoid their blind spots whenever possible.
• Emergency kit: Emergency kits are essential to have, especially when you plan on going on a long trip. Make sure your emergency kit has a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, enough drinking water, and jumper cables. You should also have emergency flares and reflectors, and non-perishable food in case you get stuck. Do not forget a phone charger.
• Rest up: Drowsy driving is one of the major factors in car accidents in the country. It is especially important to rest up before any long trip, as drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Drowsy or fatigued driving can severely reduce reaction times. If you are driving and start to feel tired, find a safe place to pull over and get some rest or take a break. A good rule of thumb is to take a break from driving every 100 miles or few hours and get out of the car and stretch your legs. That will help you wake up.
• Be patient: Give yourself plenty of time to get where you need to go, and practice patience if you get stuck in traffic. Being stressed out or rushing will only lead to aggressive driving, and with the large number of travelers that will also be on the road, it would only lead to a disastrous situation. It is best to always be cautious and responsible whenever you are behind the wheel.

Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow Help Accident Victims Injured on Labor Day Weekend

With the large number of travelers expected to be on the road, your chance of getting into a car accident could increase on Labor Day weekend. If you do get into an accident and are injured, contact the Wilmington car accident lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow right away. Our experienced team will protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 302-427-9500 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. With offices in all three counties of Delaware, we service clients throughout the state.

For many families, the end of the summer heralds the start of the new school year. Preparation for back-to-school usually includes buying school clothes and materials to help your child succeed, but that might not be enough. Your back-to-school preparations also should include a focus on safety. Your school-age child or children should be well-versed in safely going to and from school. Some basic training could help your child to avoid a potentially dangerous situation.

Adults also should prepare themselves for the resumption of classes by reviewing basic safety concepts that help to ensure schoolchildren stay as safe as possible while at bus stops or otherwise traveling to and from school.

Safe-Driving Tips for Adults

Whether or not you have school children, you need to pay close attention to the start of school and how it might affect your driving during weekdays.

If you work, your trip to and from work might coincide with the pickup and drop-off schedule for a local school bus route. Maybe you have a school located near where you live that ties up local roads in the morning and again in the afternoon.

Learning if there are any bus routes near your home and when the bus usually makes its rounds can help you to avoid the bus traffic or getting caught behind one that makes frequent stops.

You also might drive through a school zone on your way to and from work or while running errands. You should know where those school zones are located and when they typically are in force so that you can slow down and not get a ticket or run into a child.

Dropping Off and Picking Up School Children

You might be among the many parents who drop off and pick up their children each school day. Maybe you and one or two other neighbors use carpooling to get your children to and from school.

Whenever you are dropping off or picking up school kids, it is important to make it as safe as possible for them. Once they are outside of the vehicle, they are on their own – unless you accompany them to the school entrance.

You should do your best to drop children off and pick them up on the same side of the road as the school is located. That eliminates the need to cross a road when traffic might be at peak levels.

You also should be aware of any crosswalks that commonly are used and manned by a school crossing guard. Knowing where they might be located and when they are in heavy use will help you to either choose another route or be more aware and ready to stop to ensure the school children and crossing guard are safe.

School Bus Safety for Children and Adults

Pay attention to school buses, and come to a complete stop when a bus has its flashers on at a bus stop. Whenever the red flashers are on, traffic in all directions must stop until the driver turns off the flashers.

If you have children who ride the bus to and from school, your children should know they need to exit when the bus is at a complete stop. Crossing the road only should happen when the bus driver tells the passengers that it is safe to do so.

If you are the parent of a child who rides the bus, go over the safety rules. You should make sure they understand why it is important to pay attention to the bus driver and the traffic to make it as safe as possible.

Safe Bicycling for Students

A bicycle can be a very liberating form of transportation for a child. It also might be an ideal way for your child to go to and from school when the weather allows it. If you have a child who rides a bike to school, you should make sure it is in good shape and that the brakes work properly. You should equip your child with a bicycle helmet to help prevent head injuries if your child should go down for any reason while riding. The bike should have a lock to protect against theft.

You should make sure your child knows how to ride the bike safely. If you have a bicycle, you might accompany your child to school once or twice to ensure they know how to safely negotiate any intersections or other potentially dangerous conditions.

Pedestrian Safety Is Very Important

Just like bicycle safety, you need to ensure your children are safe pedestrians. As a driver, you need to do your best to look out for pedestrians, including those on bicycles, skateboards, and scooters.

If school is within walking distance, your children might need walk to and from school each day. Ensure that your children have the appropriate clothing to walk outdoors, that they know the route, and that they know to use any designated school crossings that are manned by school crossing guards.

You also should emphasize the importance of not getting into cars with strangers.

Other Safety Precautions for School Kids

You might have children who use school playgrounds during recess, participate in sports, or are engaged in other extracurricular school activities. If so, you should do your best to make sure they have any safety equipment that might be needed.

The school staff and any coaches should teach how to do particular activities safely so that your children can enjoy the experience, have fun, and learn the special lessons that go with respective extracurricular activities. School staff and coaches also should oversee the activities and ensure they are done safely.

You should try to make sure the experience is fun for your child. If your child is not having fun, then there is no point in continuing the activity. Doing so only might increase the odds of an accident happening because your child might lose focus.

Wilmington Personal Injury Lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow Hold Negligent Parties Liable for Accidents

If your child suffered an injury caused by a negligent driver or another party, the Wilmington personal injury lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow can help to hold that person accountable. You can contact us online or call 302-427-9500 to schedule a free consultation at our law office in Wilmington, Delaware. With offices in all three counties of Delaware, we service clients throughout the state.