The holiday season often means more time spent traveling on the roads to visit family and friends. With more drivers out and about, the risks for accidents tend to increase. Staying safe while driving this holiday season requires planning, patience and smart driving habits.
Keep reading for some tips on holiday travel: staying safe on the roads.
Leave Early and Avoid Peak Times
One of the best things you can do to stay safe is leave early when possible. Trying to rush to your destination at the last minute increases stress and impatience, which can lead to risky driving behaviors. If your schedule allows, plan to hit the road before or after peak traffic times.
According to AAA, the worst days for holiday road congestion are the day before Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Day, the Sunday after Thanksgiving and the two weekends before Christmas. Setting off early or later in the day can help you avoid some of the traffic jams during these heavy travel times. Checking apps like Google Maps for real-time traffic information can also help you plan the best times to depart and route to take.
Get Plenty of Rest
Drowsy driving causes thousands of accidents every year. Traveling often means disrupted sleep schedules, which can leave drivers fatigued. Be sure to get adequate rest in the days leading up to a road trip and avoid driving for extremely long stretches of time. Take regular breaks to rest, snack and move around. Rotating drivers can allow each person time to recharge. Stopping to nap for 10-20 minutes can also help restore alertness if you find yourself getting drowsy behind the wheel.
Minimize Distractions
Driver inattention contributes to a large portion of crashes. With holiday excitement and busy schedules, it can be tempting to multi-task behind the wheel. Avoid phone calls, texting, adjusting music and attending to kids or pets while driving. Finish dressing, grooming and eating before you start your car. Stay focused on the road and traffic conditions.
Watch Speed Limits
Speeding may get you to your destination faster, but it dramatically increases the risk of accidents, tickets and injuries. Be sure to obey all posted speed limits, which are set for ideal travel based on the road design. Heavy holiday traffic also means adjusting your speed to flow with traffic. Rush hour, poor weather conditions and unfamiliar roads call for reduced speeds.
Make Frequent Stops
Long periods of uninterrupted driving can cause fatigue. Schedule regular stops every few hours to get out of the car, stretch your legs, eat a snack and re-energize. Gas up often to avoid running low. Consider overnight stays to split up long journeys. Arriving refreshed improves focus and reduces impatience behind the wheel.
Avoid Impaired Driving
Drinking alcohol before getting behind the wheel is extremely dangerous. Police departments boost patrols and sobriety checkpoints during the holidays. Just one drink can impair judgment and reaction times. Always designate a sober driver. Don’t be afraid to hand over the keys and rideshare or take a cab if you’ve been drinking. A DUI charge will lead to huge financial burdens, license suspension and possibly jail time. The consequences of causing an accident while impaired can stay with you for life.
Check Road Conditions
Inclement weather like rain, snow and ice call for extra caution. Before hitting the road, check the forecasts along your planned route. Allow extra time for reduced speeds if you will be driving in poor conditions. Make sure your tires have adequate tread depth. Maintain a safe following distance in case you need to brake suddenly on slick roads. Avoid cruise control which can cause loss of control on wet or icy pavement. Postpone your travel plans if weather advisories recommend staying off roads.
Use Caution in Construction Zones
Highway and road construction ramps up during warmer months. Stay alert for changing traffic patterns, reduced speed limits, narrow lanes and construction workers and equipment near the road. Distracted driving in work zones can have grave consequences for crews as well as other motorists. Obey flaggers who are guiding traffic flow. Expect delays and leave ample time so you don’t find yourself rushing through an active construction area.
Practice Defensive Driving
You can’t control other motorists, but defensive driving habits make you less likely to be involved in an accident. Maintain safe distances between vehicles and use your turn signal. Be alert for dangerous behaviors like speeding, tailgating and improper lane changes around you. Don’t engage with aggressive drivers – slow down and let them pass if necessary. Always wear your seatbelt and require passengers to do the same. Defensive driving and full focus on the road can help protect you from hazardous drivers.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
Car troubles can happen, even with a well-maintained vehicle. Pack a winter emergency kit to be prepared for the unexpected. Include items like a flashlight, battery powered radio, water, non-perishable food, jumper cables, traction mats, a shovel, blankets and extra gloves/hats/coats. Store a spare phone charger and portable phone battery in your car. Know the numbers of your breakdown service and an Ontario accident lawyer in case you need them.
Stay Alert Near Airports and Train Crossings
The holidays see increased air travel, so be cautious when driving near airports. Watch for congestion and distracted drivers. Train traffic also increases to transport holiday travelers. Approach crossings with care, obey warning lights and watch for trains before proceeding across tracks. Staying focused near busy transportation hubs protects everyone on the go.
Taking a few key precautions can minimize risks and ensure you reach your holiday destinations safely. Stay patient, avoid dangerous driving behaviors and remain focused to protect yourself, passengers and others sharing the roads. Don’t let the stress of holiday travel override good judgment and sensible driving habits.
If an auto accident does occur, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys for a free case review. Call 800-4THE-WIN (800-484-3946) to schedule your free consultation with an injury attorney in Ontario CA today. Our car accident lawyers are here to advise and represent California drivers and passengers injured through no fault of their own. Reach out for trusted legal guidance and dedicated advocacy following a crash.
