Each year, more than 100 million Americans hit the road during the holiday season. With that many people on the road, more accidents are bound to occur. While you can’t control what other drivers do, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of getting to your destination safely.
However, sometimes, even if you’ve taken every precaution, you still can’t avoid an accident. In that case, we’re here to help. Contact a proven car accident lawyer at Steinberg Injury Lawyers today for a free initial consultation.
Continue reading to learn the five driving tips that can help to keep you and your family safe this holiday season.
1. Don’t Skip The Details - Plan Your Trip
Planning your trip involves a bit more than following the directions on your map app. Effectively planning for your trip requires you to be aware of weather conditions, road closures, and your vehicle’s maintenance needs. Doing so can help you plan the safest route and know that your car can handle the journey.
2. Stay Away From Drugs and Alcohol While Driving
Instances of driving under the influence (DUI) lead to countless accidents, injuries, and deaths each holiday season. With that in mind, it’s in your best interest (and everyone else’s) to drive sober. That means that if you have a few drinks or partake in recreational drugs before your trip, you should assign a designated driver or choose another transportation option. Otherwise, you risk an accident and criminal record.
3. Get Proper Rest Before You Hit The Road
Many studies have shown that drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as intoxicated driving. If you’re not well rested before you begin your trip, your chances of causing a collision or not avoiding one increase drastically. It’s recommended that you get enough rest before you begin your journey. Further, if you get tired in the middle of a long ride, it’s always much better to pull over and take a nap than it is to continue driving.
4. Eliminate All Distractions
Taking a family trip can easily lead to all types of distractions. Unfortunately, those distractions can result in collisions, injuries, and possibly, death. With that in mind, it’s essential to eliminate potential distractions before your journey begins. That means:
Putting your phone in “driving mode”
Waiting to have important conversations on the phone or with passengers until you arrive
Eating before you drive, in a restaurant, or when your car is parked
Picking a music playlist before you leave
Setting your destination on your map app before leaving
Setting your car’s temperature to the ideal setting before driving
5. Use Defensive Driving Techniques
Lastly, don’t forget about the defensive driving techniques you learned in drivers education class. When you see a distracted, reckless, or otherwise dangerous driver, maintain your distance. Taking the proper precautions and planning for errors committed by other drivers can go a long way in keeping you and your loved ones safe this holiday season.
If you get into an accident caused by another driver over the holidays, we’re here to help. Contact Steinberg Injury Lawyers to speak with a proven car accident lawyer about your case today.
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