The holidays are upon us, which means that there will be plenty of work parties and family gatherings to attend. It also means that the roads will have more traffic as more people travel to see friends and family. With more reasons to travel, you need to stay safe while on the roads this holiday season. We will help you do just that with some tips in today’s post.
Drive Sober
One of the first things you must do in order to drive safely during the holidays is to drive sober. If you are headed to a holiday party, make sure you have a designated driver or the number of a taxi company or car service so you can get home safely. Never step foot behind the wheel of a car after drinking.
Take Five, Stay Alive
A common saying on road signs across the country is that of “Take five, stay alive.” This is advice for you to leave five minutes earlier when heading to your destination so you do not have to speed to get there on time. The more time you take, the better your chances are of staying alive.
Check Your Car
Before heading out for a holiday road-trip, make sure you check your car for any issues. Check the pressure of all your tires, including your spare tire. Make sure you have enough windshield wiper fluid in the tank and carry an extra bottle in your trunk. You should also have jumper cables in the trunk in case the battery dies while on the road.
Have a Travel Plan
Another good idea is to have a travel plan in place before hitting the roads during the holidays. Know your directions before leaving on your trip. Have a map or a GPS programmed so you do not have to pull to the side of the road to figure out directions.
Use Roadside Assistance
If you have a roadside assistance plan, make sure it is up-to-date before heading out on the roads for the holidays. Roadside assistance is excellent because it will respond to your location should your battery die, you get stuck in snow or mud, or if you get a flat tire.
Keep a Safety Kit in the Trunk
Make sure you have a safety kit in the trunk of your car when traveling during the holidays. The safety kit should have an extra pair of gloves, a blanket, a flashlight with extra batteries, a radio with batteries, and any other items you feel will help you when in need.
Avoid Bad Weather When Possible
When possible, avoid driving in bad weather during the holidays. If it is unavoidable, make sure you take your time and allow for travel issues such as traffic and bad roads. If you can avoid traveling in bad weather, you will put yourself at an advantage.
Have you been injured in a holiday traffic accident? If so, contact the Gladstein Law Firm, PLLC by filling out the contact form. We will get back to you within 24 hours to discuss the next steps in your case.
