The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. But if you're driving, it's also a time to be extra careful. Here are some tips to help you stay safe on the roads this holiday season.
Driving Tips That Can Help Keep You Safe This Holiday Season
We should all do our best to drive safely all year long, but during the holiday season, it is important to be extra cautious. There are often more drivers on the roads due to holiday travel and parties, holiday gatherings can lead to drunk drivers hitting the roads, and winter weather can make driving treacherous. The following are a few of the best driving tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe this holiday season:
- Don't drink and drive. This is a no-brainer, but it's important to remember during the holiday season when there are more parties and gatherings. Staying safe on the roads should be top of mind this holiday season. We all know that drinking and driving don’t mix, but with so many invitations to parties and get-togethers during the holidays, it is essential to recognize that it’s not worth taking that risk. Take care of yourself and your loved ones by organizing alternate modes of transportation, such as designating a driver, catching a taxi/ride sharing service, or calling a sober friend for assistance. Don't drink and drive. Let's keep our roads safe this holiday season!
- Drive defensively. Be aware of other drivers who may be impaired, distracted, or simply not paying attention. Driving defensively is essential to staying safe on the roads. Keeping an eye out for other drivers who may be impaired, distracted, or simply not paying attention can significantly reduce the chances of an accident or injury. Being aware of the signs that a driver may be impaired due to drugs, alcohol, or exhaustion gives drivers advanced warning to adjust their speed and approach with caution. Additionally, being mindful of drivers who may be distracted due to texting or talking on their phones should also prompt defensive driving habits. Following defensive driving techniques, such as slowing down, using your signals appropriately, and maintaining a safe distance from others, will ensure everyone's safety while on the road.
- If you're traveling in bad weather, make sure your car is in good condition and that you have proper tires for the conditions. No matter your destination, if you are traveling during bad weather conditions, it is essential to ensure that both yourself and your car are prepared for the journey. To help make this happen, it is important to check that your vehicle is in optimal condition before departing and that you have proper tires suited to the prevailing conditions. This can make a massive difference to driver safety as well as providing an overall smoother ride. Bad weather need not be an intimidating component of a road trip. It simply requires preparation.
- Keep an emergency kit in your car, including a first-aid kit, blankets, snacks, and water. Preparing an emergency kit for your car is a smart and easy thing to do that could potentially end up being lifesaving in the event of an unforeseen circumstance. Consider equipping your car with a first-aid kit containing items like bandages, gauze, ointment, and scissors, as well as extra blankets for warmth, snacks for fuel, and water for hydration. If you set aside time to put together an emergency kit, you can ensure you are ready no matter what situation may arise on the road.
- Let someone know your travel plans so they can check on you if you don't arrive when expected. Whenever you are planning to travel, it is always worthwhile to let family, friends or colleagues know your plans. This way they can check on you when and if you don't arrive at your destination as expected. Not only does this provide peace of mind for those closest to you, but it also enables them to ensure that your safety and wellbeing are being taken care of by raising an alarm in case something doesn't appear to be quite right.
If you’re involved in a car accident this holiday season, call Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC at (843) 968-0886 or contact us online for help. Our experienced car accident lawyers in Charleston offer free, no-obligation consultations.