With Thanksgiving only a couple of weeks away, holiday travel plans are well underway. Between parties, shopping, and visiting with loved ones the roads are bound to be a little busier than usual. With the holiday rush it is more important than ever to practice safe driving. According to the National Safety Council (NSC) the holidays are a time commonly associated with an increase in car accidents. With this in mind we would like to provide a refresher on safe driving tips that might help you be more vigilant while behind the wheel this holiday season:
- Never Drive Impaired: with an increase in social events such as holiday parties and family get-togethers alcoholic beverages are likely to make their way into the mix. When celebrating monitor your alcohol intake and never drive while intoxicated. If you plan on drinking, be sure to have a way to return home safely. Whether that is assigning a designated driver or scheduling a ride to pick you up at a particular time, have a pre-arranged way to get home.
- Be Prepared: before you embark on a long trip to visit loved ones check that you have the necessary tools to drive safely such as working headlights, appropriate tires, properly positioned mirrors, any necessary eyewear such as glasses, sunglasses, or contacts, and proper shoes. Take the time to review your route so that you have your bearings on the road. Also consider bringing accessories that will help you if you were to get in an accident or dangerous situation such as a seatbelt cutter, glass breaker, flashlight, blanket, jumper cables, etc. All these tools can help you be better prepared for common dangers along the road.
- Severe Weather: with winter comes more enjoyable cooler temperatures, however it can also bring the danger of wet, icy, or snow-covered roads as well. Bad road conditions require extra care when travelling. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends driving slowly and allowing extra space between you and the car in front of you. They also recommend reviewing weather conditions before your trip so that you can plan accordingly if conditions are poor.
- Be Aware: one of the most difficult aspects of driving is the fact that others are not always paying attention. That is why it is your responsibility as a safe driver to pay attention to those around you. With the holiday rush high traffic areas such as parking lots and shopping centers are likely to be busier than normal. Go slowly in areas with pedestrians and keep an eye on the people and vehicles around you. Paying attention to those who may not be could potentially save you both from harm.
For more information from the National Safety Council on holiday travel Click Here. To see what the Department of Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has to say on holiday safety Click Here. For tips on traveling safely in severe weather from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Click Here. To view more of Brooks LeBoeuf’s blog posts Click Here.