Holiday Travel Safety Guide

Many people travel during the holidays, by airplane, train, and car. Given the fact there are so many more people on the roads during this time of year, it is no wonder the rate of accidents is much, much higher from November through February. There are many different factors that result in car accidents, from inclement weather conditions and distracted drivers to those who drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that 90 percent of holiday travelers will be doing so by car this year – and the average driver will be going around 260 miles round-trip.

Traveling during the holidays is a headache in itself, let alone when we factor in all of the things that can go wrong. Congested roadways, more road rage, and rushed schedules make driving during this time of year much riskier than it needs to be. In order to help minimize the likelihood of an accident during the holiday season, we thought it would be helpful to go over a few handy tips to prepare you for what’s to come. We want you and your loved ones to get to your destination as safely as possible, especially during the holidays. Remember, safety on the roadways starts with you, so it is of the utmost importance that you take the following tips into consideration in order to ensure you and your loved ones get to your holiday festivities safely this year.

• Get your vehicle ready – Before you hit the road, make sure your car or truck is ready to go. This means getting the oil and filters changed, making sure you have jumper cables in the trunk, inspecting your vehicle for any tire damage and making sure they are properly inflated, replacing any worn windshield wipers, and topping off all fluids.

• Plan your route – Before you jump in the car, take a look at Google maps and make sure the roadways are clear. Depending on where you live, weather may be a factor that you should consider. Have your route planned as best you can, and also have a backup in place in case of any road closures or construction.

• Check the weather – Again depending on where you live, check the weather to see if any rain or snow is expected. If so, you may want to leave a little early so you aren’t rushing to your destination.

• Take it slow – One of the biggest mistakes people make when traveling during the holidays is going too fast. In fact, speed is a leading cause of auto accidents this time of year. Plan ahead, take your time, and don’t try to rush to your destination. Chances are you will encounter other drivers who have the pedal to the metal, so simply move to the right lane and let them go on their merry way.

• Be on alert – As mentioned above, you are likely to witness other drivers who are in a rush and driving dangerously. With this in mind, make sure you are on alert and prepared for other motorists to make mistakes. Be as responsive as you can and try not to give into road rage.

Stay safe out there this holiday season. If you happen to find yourself the victim of a car accident, please do not hesitate to contact the attorneys at Rad Law Firm.