Holiday Travel Tips to Prevent Car Accidents and Injuries
With the clock slowly ticking down to the end of the year, many people are busy making plans for holiday get-togethers with family and friends. These may involve meeting up at your local tavern or someone’s home, or driving to visit people in other areas. In either case, it is important to be aware that this time of year brings an increased risk for car accidents, which can result in serious personal injuries for you and your passengers. We want you to be aware of the dangers and how to protect yourself at this time of year.
Taking a Road Trip? Prepare Before Getting Behind The Wheel
The holidays are one of the busiest travel times on South Carolina’s roads, highways, and interstates, as people make plans to travel both in and out of the area. Before you go, it is important to take a few precautions to protect yourself and prevent breakdowns on your trip:
Get your car thoroughly checked by a mechanic and address any issues with tires, brake systems, or missing headlights.
Map your itinerary and let someone know your route and when you will reach your destination.
Check the weather conditions before you go through the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS).
Pack an emergency car kit, including a flashlight, extra batteries, a cell phone charger, food, water, and other supplies.
Before pulling out of your driveway, make sure that you and your passengers all have your seatbelts on. Once on the road, avoid reckless driving behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, improper passing, and failure to yield, which could put you at risk. Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel, avoiding distractions such as cellphones and changing GPS or radio stations.
Avoid Drunk Driving Over the Holidays
If your plans focus more on staying local over the holidays, there are still some precautions you can take to increase your safety. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the holidays are a peak time for drunk driving accidents, which claim the lives of nearly 800 people each year throughout the month of December alone. To prevent becoming a part of these grim statistics, follow these tips:
Realize that even one or two drinks could significantly impact your driving ability.
If you do plan on drinking, arrange to take a cab or have a friend drive you home.
If you notice a friend has overindulged, do whatever is necessary to keep them from getting behind the wheel.
If you are hosting a holiday party, provide plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages.
As a host, stop serving alcohol well before the party ends and offer your couch to anyone who may have had too much to drink.
Contact Us Today for Help
When unexpected events leave you or someone you love suffering potentially serious injuries, the Surasky Law Firm, LLC is here to help you get the compensation you need to recover. To request a consultation, contact our Aiken car accident attorney today.
