Safe Travel During the Holidays

With winter holidays right around the corner, revisiting tips for safe holiday driving is a worthwhile endeavor. Travel always holds a certain degree of peril, what with distracted motorists, enraged drivers, and more. In addition to these day-to-day issues, holiday driving has some special stressors.

What Amplifies Holiday Driving Concerns? 

In addition to the usual driving woes holiday driving can be uniquely challenging for several reasons:

• There are more drivers out and about who are unfamiliar with the area (maybe including you), making the likelihood of wrong-way driving, distracted driving, U-turns, and other difficulties more prevalent.
• More motorists tend to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol during the holidays.
• Roads are generally more congested.
• Winter weather can limit visibility.

Preparedness Matters

It’s smart to take steps to ensure your safety before even leaving your driveway!

• Make sure your vehicle, including tires, fluids, and battery, are in good shape.
• Bring a cell phone and keep it charged.
• Give yourself all the time you need so you don’t feel rushed.
• Commit to staying off the road when fatigued.

Have an Emergency Kit

While a lot of drivers keep jumper cables in their vehicles as a matter of habit, long trips require a little more planning, and should include:

• Snacks and a supply of non-perishable foods;
• Blankets;
• Small shovel;
• Flashlights;
• First aid materials;
• Flares;
• Water;
• Cards or small games to entertain kids.

While Traveling

Staying safe means sticking to basic safety rules, such as:

• Getting a good night’s sleep prior to travel;
• Checking weather forecasts before leaving your home;
• Being aware of road and traffic conditions;
• Ensuring everyone is safely belted in and riding in appropriate car seats or booster seats;
• Taking regular breaks every couple of hours;
• Keeping the number of miles traveled each day below 400;
• Eschewing alcohol, sleeping aids, or medicines that cause drowsiness;
• Pulling over when you feel tired, even if it isn’t part of the plan;
• Avoiding distractions;
• Sticking to posted speed limits;
• Adjusting route and/or speed as conditions require;
• Keep a safe distance behind other vehicles;
• Checking in with others regularly to apprise them of your location;
• Having an emergency plan;
• Avoiding phone use when behind the wheel;
• Staying calm, especially in heavy traffic, road construction, or other frustrations;
• Pulling as far to the right of the road as possible if you experience mechanical difficulties.

Naturally, this all should reoccur on your way home!

If the Unthinkable Happens

Unfortunately, even drivers who do everything right sometimes find themselves the victims of other negligent or reckless drivers. If you or a loved one has been injured under such circumstances, the dedicated and experienced Kissimmee and Orlando personal injury attorneys at Salazar & Kelly Law Group can help. Schedule a confidential consultation in our office today.

Source:

nationwidechildrens.org/research/areas-of-research/center-for-injury-research-and-policy/injury-topics/transportation/holiday-road-safety