The past few weeks, there have been protests for the Black Lives Matter movement in all 50 states. Peaceful protests and marches are growing every day, with some events attracting thousands of participants. For drivers still on the road, it’s important to find ways to navigate around these gatherings to ensure the safety of those on the road and those exercising their right to protest. While it’s important to monitor the barricades set in place, there are other steps to take to protect yourself and those around you. 

Plan ahead for road closures

Most of the larger gatherings are publicized on different media outlets ahead of time. Be sure to check your local news website or social media groups to see if there are any planned protests for the time you are traveling. You can set a preferred route in most GPS apps to avoid any surprises while you’re already on the road. Trucking companies have also been taking extra precautions in order to keep their drivers safe.

Do not panic if you get caught in the middle of a protest

Staying calm is the most important thing to do if you find that you’ve turned onto a street right into the middle of a protest. Maintain a slow speed while navigating through crowds. If you are too anxious to move through the crowd, an Orlando Trooper advises drivers to pull off to the side of the road until the street clears.

Keep your distance from others

You should be exercising extra caution when it comes to following other cars or groups of people. Keep a car’s length distance behind and in front of other cars to minimize the risk of getting into a car accident. According to the Riverside accident attorneys at PSR Law, “No matter how safely we drive, there is always the possibility of being involved in an accident due to someone’s negligence.”

Protect yourself inside the vehicle

Keep yourself and your loved ones safe in the car by making sure everyone is wearing seatbelts and the doors are locked. It’s also important for everyone to remain calm to minimize distractions. Instead of trying to manage the wheel and the GPS, have a passenger direct you if possible. 

During this monumental time in history, it’s important to make sure that we all look out for each other both on and off the streets. Keep yourself safe by staying aware of what’s going on in your local surroundings by consistently monitoring the news and social media.