As joyful as the holidays are, they can also be an incredibly stressful time. Travel plans, family functions, and shopping can make people quite frantic, especially on the roads. The last thing anyone wants during the holiday season is a car accident, but the risk is high. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are generally more fatalities from car accidents during holiday times than during non-holiday times, due to “increased travel time, more alcohol use, and excessive driving speed.”
Avoid being a statistic this holiday season by following our driving safety tips. Should you be involved in an accident and need a trustworthy attorney to represent your case, Lasky Justus Law in Savannah, GA, is here for you. Contact us today.
Safety Tips for Holiday Travel
1. Plan Your Route
Nowadays, it’s easy to rely on your GPS to get you where you need to go. But if you’re going on a long drive, you don’t want to be stuck without knowing the directions. If you hit inclement weather, lose service, or your phone dies, you’re out of luck. Additionally, you may be too distracted if you have to rely on your phone for navigation. Look up your route ahead of time and familiarize yourself with the roads and exits you’ll be taking. Consider printing out a copy of the directions just in case, and most importantly, keep your eyes on the road.
2. Stay Off Your Phone
Distracted driving is the leading cause of car accidents, and it’s undoubtedly easy to get distracted by our phones. If you have a passenger in the car, have them navigate. Pull over if you need to make a phone call or send a text. There are many designated text stops and rest areas along the highways. The few minutes it will take to stop and send a text are well worth the safety of you and other drivers on the road.
3. Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Car
Before you hit the road, pack an emergency preparedness kit in case a situation should arise. Make sure to have a spare tire, jumper cables, a car jack, and a flashlight in the car for any quick fixes. Keep non-perishable food and water on hand, as well as a first aid kit for any injuries. It’s also smart to keep a blanket in the car in case you become stranded in the cold.
4. Don’t Drive Impaired
It can be tempting to get in the car after a few drinks, but don’t. Think about how many other drivers are making the choice to drive impaired–does that seem promising? Definitely not. If you’ve had any alcohol or other substances, make the informed decision to stay off the roads. If you take any medications, be aware of side effects and interactions that may make you drowsy or unable to drive.
5. Stay Alert
Tired driving is impaired driving. If you’re behind on sleep or feeling drowsy, don’t get behind the wheel. Before you arrive at your destination, make plans to stay with family or in a hotel so you aren’t tempted to get on the road when you’re overtired. If you need to push back your ETA so you can take a nap before getting on the road, your loved ones will understand.
When You Need Help, Call Lasky Justus Law
The team at Lasky Justus Law wants you to enjoy the holidays with minimal stress. By following our tips, you can stay safe on the roads and avoid an accident. Should you become a victim of an auto accident, we will do everything in our power to get you the compensation you deserve. Get in touch with Lasky Justus Law today–and from our family to yours, Happy Holidays!
