For a lot of families, the holidays are the only time they get to see their grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and other kin — many of whom are scattered all over the country. That means that there’s going to be lots of cars on the road.
Unfortunately, holiday travel is very dangerous. The holiday season is one of the deadliest for drivers everywhere. Aside from the fact that there tends to be a lot more drunk drivers on the road thanks to all that “holiday cheer” that’s flowing, you also have drivers who are navigating unfamiliar roads with cars full of hyper kids and all kinds of distractions. Weather conditions can also make the roads more treacherous, even for drivers who aren’t stressed-out and distracted.
What can you do to keep your family safe?
Here are some tips that can help your holiday remain bright and merry:
- Get your car checked out before you go. Make sure the headlights and taillights are working. Check the pressure and tread on your tires. Check your windshield wiper fluid.
- Get some decent rest the night before. Drowsy driving is just as dangerous (or worse) than drunk driving. Know your limits when it comes time to decide that you’re just too tired to drive.
- Ditch any extra distractions. Put your cellphone on mute or hand it to your navigator. Make it clear to your passengers that you won’t tolerate any hijinks while you’re in motion.
- Leave early and plan for delays. Rushing leads to accidents. Traffic and bad weather can slow you down, so build a little extra time into the journey.
What should you do if you’re in a holiday wreck?
If you’re hurt in a wreck, get help. Once the immediate danger is past, it’s smart to protect your interests. An attorney can make sure that the claims process against the liable party goes smoothly.
