With summer just around the corner, it's time to start planning those family vacations. If you're going to be taking road trips, part of your planning should involve safety strategies. Car accidents can happen anywhere, any time. Unfortunately, some of those accidents can be caused by unexpected road hazards that happen while you're driving. Luckily, if you're prepared, you can escape without injuries. Here are four common road hazards and some simple steps to avoid accidents.

Skidding or Sliding

You never know when a summer rainstorm is going to leave the road dangerously slick. Even if the road looks clear, surface oil mixed with rain can cause unseen hazards. If your car starts to skid out of control, don't try to jerk the wheel. Trying to turn the wheel abruptly could cause your car to flip over, or send you careening into oncoming traffic.

Instead, as soon as you feel your car entering a skid, take your foot off the gas and focus on an object in the distance. Slowly try to steer towards that object, while allowing the car to slow down naturally. Once you've gained control of the car, move to the side of the road to regain your composure and make sure your passengers are secure in their seats.

Tire Blowouts

Blowouts can be a frightening experience, especially if you don't know how to recover from one. In most cases, when a tire blows out, you'll hear a loud noise, followed by a feeling like you're driving over several speed bumps. Don't look around to see where the sound came from – that can cause you to turn the wheel. As soon as you've had a blowout, take your foot off the gas pedal and grab your steering wheel with both hands. Be sure you have a firm grip of the steering wheel. With your foot off the gas, carefully steer your car off the side of the road and park. Wait until traffic has passed before exiting your car.

Fog Drops In 

You never know when fog is going to roll in. Unfortunately, in can roll in quickly. When it does, you're not going to be able to see properly. If the fog rolls in unexpectedly, reduce your speed. That way you'll be able to react quickly if something happens in front of you. If they're not already on, turn your lights on to low. If you have fog lights, turn them on instead. You should always avoid turning your high beams on in the fog. With high beams, the density of the fog will bounce the light back at you, making it more difficult for you to see. Roll your window down so that you can hear what's going on around you. Be sure to turn your radio off to reduce distractions.

If you're going to be hitting the road for summer vacation this year, be sure you're prepared for potential hazards. For other tips on how to stay safe during road trips, be sure to speak to your auto insurance provider, such as LA Insurance. Being prepared for potential road hazards can help you avoid auto accidents.