The holiday season is exciting for many families across the United States. Yet being safe during this festive time also means employing safe driving practices. It can be difficult for some drivers to deal with the stress of holiday shopping.
If you take advantage of these holiday driving safety tips, you can keep yourself and your family safe throughout Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Valentine’s Day. Unfortunately, some individuals suffer injuries during automobile accidents during this time of year, and you may need to contact a West Palm Beach car accident lawyer if you are seeking legal representation.
Practicing holiday driving safety
The holidays are stressful to be on crowded freeways and streets in Florida. You and your family can avoid severe bodily injury and wrongful death and remain safe if you keep the following safety tips in mind while driving between the holiday months of October through February.
Prioritize vehicle maintenance
Keep your automobile in good working condition and get regular maintenance checks. It is also helpful to check your brakes before taking any extended drive during this time of the year. Remember to ensure your fluid levels are normal and your tire pressure and tires are in good condition. Before driving out to visit your family after the sun goes down this holiday season, don’t forget to check:
- Headlights
- Tag lights
- Brake lights
- Tail lights
If you notice any red flags or issues with your vehicle or need clarification on what you’re looking at, take the time to get your vehicle inspected by a certified mechanic before you take your car out on the roads.
Always drive at or below the speed limit
Speeding is one of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents. When people are trying to get home to their families to celebrate the holiday, they are more likely to drive over the speed limit, which increases the risk of severe bodily injury or death.
According to AAA, driving as little as ten mph over the speed limit can double your risk of a collision. If traveling down Interstate 95 to spend the holiday with your loved ones, do yourself a favor and drive at or slightly below the speed limit. This way, you may be able to avoid catastrophic injuries and even traffic citations if you were to be pulled over for speeding.
Never drive distracted
Do not engage in any form of distracted driving. It is necessary to keep your eyes on the road and not text or watch videos while driving. It is bad enough that the roads may be congested and full of holiday travelers, but if you do not have your full attention on operating your vehicle, you could cause a catastrophic collision.
Distracted driving does not only involve talking on your cell phone. You should also remain focused on the roadways, avoid cognitive and visual distractions, and avoid manual distractions, such as making changes to your navigational system or music selections until you have safely pulled over to the side of the road.
Practice defensive driving
Driving defensively can be the best way to protect yourself, your passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians. If you notice other drivers on the roads speeding, distracted driving, or driving aggressively, do what you can to avoid them. If there is heavy rain, as we often see in West Palm Beach, pull over to the side of the road until the rain lightens up before you continue your travels.
You may be anxious about your family’s holiday celebrations, but take your time and drive at or below the speed limit. If you can, avoid traveling during peak holiday traffic conditions. Other important defensive driving tips include:
- Checking blind spots before changing lanes
- Staying alert
- Avoid driving near motorcyclists or pedestrians
- Wear your seatbelt
- Ensure all passengers are using seat belts
- Always check and be aware of your surroundings
NEVER drive while drunk, impaired, or drowsy
Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol or when you are too tired to drive safely. Many holiday parties are filled with people who are intoxicated. If you have consumed alcohol or drugs, then it is necessary for you not to drive and to call someone who can give you a ride.
Get gas during daylight
Getting gas during the daytime before you hit the roads should be a top priority. If you run out of gas and have to leave your vehicle behind, you may be at an increased risk of suffering severe injuries in a motor vehicle wreck. Not only are you at risk of being struck by a vehicle while walking, but your safety could also be in jeopardy.
Contact Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath If You Need a Personal Injury Attorney During This Holiday Season
A skilled personal injury lawyer will help you determine what you need to do to strengthen your case. If you seek financial compensation for your injuries, contact us at (561) 655-1990 to schedule a free consultation. Our attorneys understand that accidents happen, and we can help you determine which parties are potentially liable for your injuries. Reach out to us today so you can enforce your legal rights and begin to develop a compelling case strategy.
