Holiday Travel Safety Tips

This holiday season, get-togethers with family and friends are likely to look a lot different. While people are encouraged to take precautions in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many are still planning trips. In addition to the dangers posed by the virus, it is important to take precautions to prevent personal injuries at this time of year. Car accidents are always a concern, but they generally spike over the holidays. The following holiday travel safety tips offer simple ways to protect yourself and the passengers in your vehicle.

Preparing Yourself For Travel This Holiday Season

According to a December 12, 2020 USA Today News report, many Americans are heeding recommendations from public health officials and plan to limit their traveling over the holiday season. However, close to three million people are still expected to take some type of trip to visit loved ones, many of them traveling by car. The excitement of the season and the increased traffic makes car accidents more likely to happen.

If you do plan on hitting the road over the holidays, it’s important to make some preparations beforehand. In addition to ensuring sure you have masks, sanitizer, and other items to reduce your COVID risks, pay close attention to your vehicle and potential travel conditions you are likely to face. Steps to take include:

● Have your car checked thoroughly by an experienced mechanic

● Inspect your lights and windshield wipers to ensure they’re in good working order

● Chart your course before you go and create an alternate route in case of road construction

● Inform someone else of your plans and when you intend to reach your destination

● Check weather conditions along your route and at your destination before heading out

● Stay buckled up throughout your trip. Make sure your passenger do the same

Preventing Holiday Car Accidents

While the holidays are among the most festive times of the year, they’re also among the most dangerous on the roads. The National Safety Council reports that more than 100 people die in car accidents on Christmas day alone, and that tens of thousands of others are likely to suffer serious personal injuries as a result of crashes between then and the New Year. Taking some simple precautions can help to prevent a car accident from impacting you or your passengers. These include:

● Obey speed limits and slow down if you encounter heavy traffic or adverse weather

● Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination and avoid aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating and failing to yield

● Keep your cell phone in your glove compartment to avoid dangerous driving distractions such as taking calls or texting

● Get plenty of sleep the night before driving

● Avoid driving if you have even had one or two drinks. Make an alternate plan in advance.

Reach Out To Our Aiken Car Accident Attorney

We hope these holiday travel safety tips help keep you safe during this busy season. However, when car accidents happen and leave you or a loved one suffering serious personal injuries, you can count on the Surasky Law Firm to help you get the compensation you need to recover. Contact our Aiken car accident attorney online to request a consultation today.