Insurance Company Orlando Cautions Against These 5 Common Road Hazards

You may have noticed more traffic on the roadways recently. With cheaper fuel and summer/holiday vacations in full swing, people across the country are taking advantage of opportunities to have fun and enjoy special bonding moments with friends and family.Unfortunately, this focus on good times can come at a high cost. Law enforcement officials say thousand of people are injured and even killed each year on both highways and local roads. There are many reasons for these grim statistics.Rather than avoid road travel altogether, there are ways to protect your vehicle and property, and ensure everyone in your group arrives safe and happy. Here are some of the most common road hazards, and how you can avoid them.1) Slips and SkidsNo matter where you live in the country, there are times when inclement weather can create risky and dangerous situations on the road. If you find yourself in a skid, road safety experts say it’s best to take your foot off the gas, focus on a safe spot down the road, and gently guide your vehicle in that direction.Try not to panic or make any rash or uncalculated movements. Especially in larger vehicles, oversteering can easily cause a rollover. Once you’ve regained control and it’s safe to inspect your vehicle, check for damage to both your property and other drivers (if applicable). If there is damage to any vehicle (or physical injury to drivers or passengers), immediately contact both law enforcement and your insurance company for guidance as to the next steps.2) Road DebrisIn an ideal situation, you’ll be able to detect and navigate anything that’s blocking the road. There are times, however (especially on the highway) where this may not be possible, or you’re unable to properly react in a timely manner.If you’ve hit an object while driving, it’s essential that you pull over when it’s safe to do so. Sometimes, you might detect something’s wrong (or warning lights in your vehicle could signal a problem). Once you’re securely off the road in a safe spot and have inspected your vehicle for damage, contact your Florida auto insurance company to determine where to go from there.3) Tire or Mechanical TroubleOne of the most dangerous and scary situations any driver can face is a tire blowout on the road. Mechanical issues can also be jarring and nerve-wracking. Try to remain calm and guide your vehicle to a safe area out of the way of traffic. Then, contact law enforcement or road safety for assistance, if necessary.It’s also wise to ensure your vehicle is in acceptable shape to continue on your journey. If you notice damage, it’s important to speak with a trusted and reputable insurance agent who can advise you on the next steps to returning your vehicle to a safe operating condition.4) Animals and ChildrenEspecially in rural areas, it’s not uncommon to witness wildlife darting across the road. In other scenarios, small children can quickly run into the street without warning. If you hit an animal or child, pull over at once. Contact rescue personnel if necessary. Later, you’ll need to inspect your vehicle for potential damage.Make sure to also contact your insurance company. A skilled and friendly agent will begin working with you straight away to document details, and make a plan for the immediate future.5) Reckless or Careless MotoristsSometimes, weather conditions are ideal and you’re effectively practicing defensive driving, when an aggressive motorist barrels down the road, threatening the safety and security of everyone else. You could become the victim of a head-on collision, hit-and-run incident, or road rage scenario.When possible, avoid reckless or careless drivers. Never intentionally provoke or “pick a fight” with another motorist. This could easily escalate into an uncomfortable scene that everyone involved will surely regret. Instead, if your vehicle has sustained damage, pull over to a safe spot and contact your insurance company. A reliable agent will advise you as to the next steps.Since 1964, we’ve helped countless drivers with automobile insurance tailored to their unique requirements. In addition, we also specialize in business and commercial insurance, homeowners insurance, risk management, tree care, and more. Contact us today to learn more about how our innovative insurance options can help protect your property and loved ones.