After spending last summer in quarantine, most of us are excited to enjoy a more conventional season in the surf and sun. For many that include travel, whether by car or airplane, and trips to the beach or relaxing by the pool.

As you prepare for those summer plans, here are some tips and guides to help you avoid joining the very large group of people who are involved in motor vehicle accidents while traveling to summer vacation destinations.

• Be Wary of Different Traffic Patterns: For those of us who have the same summer plans each year, we are accustomed to a set routine and the standard traffic patterns that go along with it. However, please bear in mind that with more people working from home and having more flexible schedules, the roadways may not be busy (or quiet) at the same times we are used to historically. It is better to not make any assumptions about where and when you will face heavier or lighter traffic.

• Give Yourself More Time Than Usual: One of the most underappreciated by-products of the Covid-19 quarantine is that many people went months without driving anywhere close to their normal schedule. As a result, like any other skill, driving skills atrophied and people are still adjusting. As a result, give yourself more time than usual to account not only for other drivers’ different habits but yours as well.

• Safety First: Your destination will still be there an hour or two after your scheduled arrival, so please don’t rush or speed. This is especially dangerous because of the anticipated volume of people who are going to be on the roadways heading to fun and exotic locations this summer.

• Pay Attention to Tractor Trailers and other Commercial Vehicles: There has been an increase in tractor-trailers and other trucks on the roadways and that won’t change just because it’s summer. Any car accident is bad, but your standard car is not designed to withstand an accident with a commercial vehicle. Please be very mindful of them on the roadway and stay vigilant.

Following these tips and being generally cautious and careful will go a long way towards ensuring that you and your loved ones don’t become an accident statistic this summer and that you not only arrive safely at your destination but enjoy the amazing summer vacation we all deserve so badly.