Holiday Driving Tips
The holidays are underway, which means family togetherness, time off work, yummy food, gifts, and, of course, traffic. No matter where you live or where you are going, roads are busy this time of year. If you expect to get to your destination quickly, you’re in for a shock.
If you’re planning to drive long distances (think multiple hours in the car), you need to be prepared. Not only will there be many cars on the road, but there may also be extreme winter conditions to deal with as well, such as rain, ice, and snow. Having these elements on the roadways can slow things down a bit.
People are in a hurry to get from one place to another, making car accidents likely to occur. Get to your destination safely this holiday season with these driving tips.
Stay Alert
You may be driving through unfamiliar areas. Road and weather conditions can throw you for a loop. There may be unexpected slowdowns and hazards in front of you. You never know what will happen while you are behind the wheel, so you need to be alert and ready to react at all times. Put away the phone and focus on the road.
Know the Weather
Plan ahead by knowing the weather forecast ahead of time. Is snow expected? Bring chains. Is there rain in the forecast? Make sure your windshield wipers are in good working order. Have an emergency kit inside your vehicle in case you get stuck. Make sure you have jumper cables, a first aid kit, a tool kit, a flashlight, food, and water.
Leave Early
Do not be in a rush to get to your destination. Leave early to give yourself plenty of time, especially if the weather is predicted to be bad. You never know what challenges you may face along the way, so be patient. Take it slow to avoid loss of control.
Maintain Your Car
It is also important to make sure your car is well-maintained, especially if you are going on a long road trip. Have you had an oil change recently? Is everything in good working condition? What about your tires? Tires are very important in the winter since they provide traction to keep you on the road.
Don’t Drink and Drive
Holiday festivities often include alcohol. While it is OK to partake, be mindful about driving. If you need to get home later, designate a sober driver. Another option is to stay the night at the host’s house or call an Uber or Lyft. In any case, avoid driving even if you have had just one drink. An accident could be deadly.
Contact Us Today
You do not want to spend the holidays in the hospital. Use the tips above to prevent car accidents and ensure your holidays are safe and filled with fun.
A car accident can be scary, especially when you are traveling and in an unfamiliar place. The personal injury attorneys at Power & Power Law can help you get back on the road again. Schedule a free consultation today by calling (907) 222-9990 or our toll-free number at (833) 669-9990.