Planning A Holiday Road Trip? Follow These Tips To Prevent Car Accidents
The holidays are one of the busiest times of the year for travel. When planning a road trip, make safety your top priority. Follow these tips from our Bradenton car accident attorney to help ensure you reach your destination safely.
Pre-Trip Preparations
Despite high gas prices, driving continues to be one of the most popular ways to travel. The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimated that close to 55 million people hit the road for Thanksgiving and the numbers are likely to swell before the year comes to a close. If you are planning a trip, make time for some pre-driving preparations. Follow these tips to ensure your vehicle is ready:
- Get it checked by a mechanic: Getting your vehicle serviced by an experienced, licensed mechanic is a good idea throughout the year, but particularly before taking a road trip. Routine maintenance and repairs can help spare you from getting stuck during your trip.
- Give it a once over yourself: There are some vehicle maintenance tasks you can do on your own, such as inflating tires, making sure head and tail lights are working properly, and filling up the window washer fluid.
- Double-check before getting behind the wheel: Immediately before taking your trip and periodically over the course of your travels, such as checking fluid levels and tire pressure.
- Prepare for emergencies: Despite your precautions, unexpected issues can arise. Make sure you have emergency supplies just in case, which should include a flashlight, cell phone charger, bottled water, some basic tools, and cold weather gear if you are traveling north.
Take Precautions On The Road
It is important to be aware of the potential risks anytime you are on the road during the holiday season. Interstates and local highways both typically see heavier traffic, parking lots are busy, and people are generally preoccupied with their own plans. All of this makes holiday driving particularly dangerous.
According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), car accidents continue to be a leading cause of death among people under the age of 60 and this time of year generally sees a spike in crashes resulting in serious personal injuries. Be mindful of both older adults and teen drivers on the road, which are at particular risk. When traveling, whether across town or across the country, take the following precautions:
- Avoid distractions, such as talking on cell phones, texting, or changing GPS settings;
- Follow local speed limits and go slower in adverse conditions;
- Be cautious and come to a complete stop at red lights and stop signs;
- Avoid aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating and failing to yield;
- Do not get behind the wheel if you have any amount of alcohol in your system or are on certain medications.
Reach Out To Our Bradenton Car Accident Attorney
When car accidents happen and impact you or your loved ones, the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely is here to help you get the compensation you deserve. Reach out and contact our Bradenton car accident attorney to request a consultation today.
Source:
newsroom.aaa.com/2021/11/buckle-up-aaa-predicts-thanksgiving-travel-to-rebound-almost-to-pre-pandemic-levels/
