(702) 857-6000Do You Know How To Navigate Your Drive in Wildfire Smoke?
Earlier this summer, Las Vegas residents began suffering the effects of wildfire smoke. To date, three million acres have already burned in the West. The burning is only going to get worse as the temperatures increase across the U.S. Wildfires pose a danger to everyone, even those who are just driving through the smoke. Here, we provide tips for navigating your drive in wildfire smoke.
We hope the below discussion helps you stay safe while navigating wildfire smoke. If a driver injures you in a Las Vegas area accident, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer will help to protect your rights and ensure you receive maximum compensation. Driving in wildfire smoke
As a Las Vegas accident victim, you don’t want to fight alone against insurance companies. They do not have your best interests in mind. Anthem Injury Lawyers has a dedicated team of lawyers and staff ready to help you with your personal injury case. Insurance companies and other parties are not interested in helping you receive what you should as a victim in a Las Vegas accident. Your Las Vegas accident lawyer should have a proven track record of winning cases like yours for significant compensation. Our lawyers offer you 25 years of experience winning top compensation for Las Vegas accident victims.
Time is of the essence when pursuing compensation in car accident cases. Don’t delay—have our Las Vegas accident lawyers review your case. Sometimes people avoid contacting an accident lawyer because they worry about cost. You don’t have to worry about affordability. Our attorneys don’t get paid unless they win your case. Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
What Is Burning?
Are you wondering about the locations that are currently burning? According to the National Interagency Fire Center, there are 86 active large fires in the United States. The following states are currently reporting large fires:
- Alaska (58)
- Texas (8)
- California (3)
- New Mexico (2)
- Nevada (2)
- Utah (2)
- Arizona (2)
- Oklahoma (2)
- Idaho (2)
- Montana (2)
- Wyoming (1)
- Nebraska (1)
- Washington (1)
Strong winds and changing weather conditions can cause the smoke from fires to impact the air quality and visibility. If you are driving in Nevada, you may already be suffering from the smoky conditions.
How To Navigate Your Drive in Wildfire Smoke
If you are driving in any of the above states, you need to know how to safely navigate your drive in wildfire smoke. Keep in mind that the safest choice you can make is to avoid driving in wildfire smoke. If you have to drive, then proceed with caution with our below tips for navigating your drive in wildfire smoke.
Plan Your Route
During wildfire season you should plan your route to avoid fires. You can check the road conditions by calling 511 for real-time road conditions. Keep in mind that road conditions can change quickly. If there is smoke, there may be fires nearby.
Avoid Fires and Smoke
Driving near fires can be hazardous for a number of reasons. The smoke from fires can impact your health and visibility. In areas where there are active fires roads may be closed and you may have to take detours to avoid the burning areas. If you encounter a wildfire on the road, stay in your vehicle. Do not drive through the fire. Turn your vehicle around and reroute.
Maintain Your Vehicle
If you are driving near wildfires, you do not want to get caught on the side of the road due to your vehicle breaking down. The best way to avoid breaking down on the side of the road is to maintain your vehicle by doing the following:
- Keep your tank above the halfway mark. Yes, fuel prices are high. However, you do not want to get caught on the road with an empty tank. Smoky conditions can impact travel and cause trip interruptions. Err on the side of caution and fuel up when you can.
- Check your fluid levels. Fuel isn’t the only fluid you need to check in your vehicle. You should also inspect your coolant, windshield washer liquid, brake fluid, automatic transmission, and power steering fluids. Do this before every trip.
- Clean and replace the car’s air filter as needed. Dust and smoke during the summer months impact the effectiveness of the car’s air filter.
- Maintain your tires. Tire safety is crucial during the summer months. Temperature changes can impact your tire pressure. Before you hit the road you should check your tire pressure, tread, balance, and alignment.
- Be prepared for an emergency. Wildfires can result in emergency situations. If you are driving near wildfires, pack an emergency supply kit.
Look Out for Your Health
Wildfire smoke can impact your physical health. When you are driving in smoky areas, you should keep your windows rolled up and use recirculation mode to keep the smoke out of your vehicle. When you are driving in smoky areas, prepare yourself for the immediate health effects of smoke inhalation including the following:
- Coughing
- Trouble breathing normally
- Stinging eyes
- A scratchy throat
- Runny nose
- Irritated sinuses
- Wheezing and shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Headaches
- An asthma attack
- Tiredness
- Fast heartbeat
Make Smart Driving Choices
You should make smart driving choices when you are navigating your drive in wildfire smoke. Smart driving choices include the following:
- Turn on your headlights.
- Roll up the windows.
- Stay alert for slow drivers.
- Look out for emergency vehicles and firefighters.
- Maintain a safe stopping distance between you and other vehicles.
- Look out for animals along the road. Fires can force animals to flee their habitats.
- Drive sober.
- Pay attention and stay off your phone.
- Wear a seat belt. Secure your children in appropriate car and/or booster seats.
Unfortunately, even the smartest driver can be involved in a car accident while driving in wildfire smoke. If you are injured in a car accident, contact Anthem Injury Lawyers today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
Experienced Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyers
We hope you stay safe while navigating your drive in wildfire smoke. If a driver injures you in a Las Vegas area accident, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Some people wonder why they need a personal injury lawyer to help them. A personal injury lawyer will work aggressively to protect your rights and help you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.
Award-winning law firm Anthem Injury Lawyers is a team of experienced and dedicated personal injury lawyers. We are based in Henderson, Nevada, and serve clients throughout the Las Vegas area. When we say we offer personal injury law experience, we mean over 25 years of experience. This is the combination of knowledge and expertise you need to win significant compensation as a victim in a Las Vegas area accident.
Your choice of an accident lawyer is one of the most consequential decisions you will ever make. It’s important to select a Las Vegas attorney who can put you in the best position to win your case. That’s why you need to speak with Anthem Injury Lawyers. Our experts offer you the best opportunity to win top compensation. Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
