The festive season is a time of joy and celebration with family and friends, but it can also be a dangerous time on the roads. With all the extra traffic from holiday travelers, there are more opportunities for accidents to happen.
The holidays can bring joy and happiness, but they also come with risks such as increased traffic and less patience from drivers around town. With this in mind, it’s crucial that drivers pay extra attention while out on the road. However, driving can be treacherous during this time of year, and accidents may happen more frequently.
If you’re involved in an accident over the holiday season, it’s important to have a DUI Lawyer who understands the complexities of personal injury law. To save yourself from any potential mishaps on the road this holiday season, make sure you follow these eight tips:
1. Prepare your vehicle and your holiday route
Check and replace parts on your car that may need to be replaced due to age or wear. Routine maintenance helps prevent the build-up of problems like faulty brake lights, flat tires, or malfunctioning headlights. You can do this at home with a few hours of free time in the days leading up to your road trip.
Do some research on how long it will take you to get from one destination to another, so you have an idea of how much daylight you’ll have for each leg of your journey. Also, check weather reports in advance in case there are any severe storms that could cause travel delays in certain areas.
2. Pack appropriately
It’s important to pack safety measures in mind while also considering the amount of space you’ll have in your car. Pack a first-aid kit, extra water and food, a flashlight, jumper cables, and a blanket in case of emergencies. You might also want to consider packing a portable phone charger so you can stay connected while on the go.
3. Buckle up
This one is a no-brainer, but it’s still worth mentioning. Make sure everyone in your car is wearing their seatbelt at all times. In addition, keep children in booster or child seats until they are big enough to wear adult seat belts safely.
4. Drive defensively
Remember that other drivers on the road may not be as cautious as you are, so always be prepared for the unexpected. Even if you are on your best behavior while driving, not everyone else will follow suit. Be aware of other motorists and follow these tips for defensive driving to keep yourself protected while on the road.
5. Let others know where you’re heading
Let a friend or family member back home know when you depart from each destination, so they have an idea of when to expect you. If they don’t hear from you by the time you should be arriving, they can contact authorities to file a missing person report. Don’t forget to let them know when you safely arrive at your final destination.
6. Avoid driving at night
Driving at night is more dangerous than during daylight hours for many reasons. Visibility can be an issue because of reduced lighting and shadows, which may make it difficult to see the road or other vehicles around you. Also, other motorists driving past your vehicle can blind you with their headlights, making it hard to see what’s ahead of you. Driving at night also reduces reaction times and impairs judgment, and you’re less likely to notice potential hazards in time without swerving into oncoming traffic.
7. Drink responsibly
Don’t let your plans get derailed by over-indulging in alcohol this holiday season. It’s best to avoid drinking if you are behind the wheel. Therefore, keep your celebrations to a minimum before you hit the road. If you are going to drink or if you’ve had a few, don’t get behind the wheel! Take an Uber, Lyft, taxi, or have a sober friend drive you instead. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that even if you are driving at your best, chances are that you may still get into a rear-end accident. In this, one car hits the other one from behind. According to the legal experts at personalinjurylawyersbronx.com
8. Keep your eyes off your phone
Driving distracted is against the law in nearly every state and can be responsible for severe car accidents. To avoid potential collisions while on your trip, keep your phone away hands, whether you’re at a red light or zipping down the interstate. It’s not worth losing control of your vehicle or risking anyone else’s safety just because you wanted to send that one last text message before arriving at your destination.
The holidays are a time of joy and gathering with friends and family. It’s also a dangerous season to be on the road, as many people will take long trips. Therefore, to enjoy your holiday travels without any headaches from traffic jams or accidents, follow these five tips to keep safe as you enjoy your weekend getaway.
