Staying Safe on the Roads This Holiday Season
When the holidays come around, a number of factors can combine to make things a bit dicey on the roads. The days are shorter, so more of your driving is under the streetlights. The weather can be unpredictable, even in Texas, where temperatures can hover at or drop below freezing, leading to ice or snow on the roads. In addition, there are all the things that come with the holiday season—holiday parties, travel to visit family, more trips to the store.
The only way you can guarantee that you won’t be involved in a motor vehicle wreck during the holidays is to stay at home, but you really don’t want to do that. Here are some tips, though, that can help you minimize the risk that you’ll be hurt in a car accident this holiday season:
- Have a plan for holiday parties – Who doesn’t enjoy a little Christmas cheer? It’s not worth a trip to the ER, though. If you’re going to a holiday party and you know alcohol will be served, either have a designated driver or be clear about how much you consume and when you consume it. Have a single drink early in the party and make certain you enjoy some of the holiday food.
- Minimize the driving you do after dark – Studies show that more accidents occur after the sun goes down. If you’re traveling a distance to spend some days with family, be willing to leave at first light, so that all your driving is done in the day.
- Be willing to stay home – If the weather is bad—particularly if there’s ice or snow in Texas—choose to stay home, even if you’re a transplanted Northerner who “knows how to drive in winter weather.” Most folks in Texas don’t have much experience with driving in sub-freezing temperatures. It’s them you have to worry about, not yourself. It’s better to talk to your loved ones from the comfort of your home than from the emergency room.
- Make certain your vehicle is in good shape – You don’t want to break down on the side of a busy highway somewhere. It’s a recipe for disaster, as other motorists hurrying to their destinations may not see you.
- Stop if you get drowsy – Often, the monotony of the road can lull you to sleep. It’s a good plan to stop about once every two hours, whether you need to or not. The fresh air and the movement can refresh you for the remainder of the trip.
- Be relaxed about when you get there – It’s better to arrive late and safe than to hurry and get in an accident. If you have a strict timetable, you’re more likely to drive a little too fast, lose focus on the road, and ignore the other motorists around you.
- Don’t let yourself get distracted – The most common cause of auto accidents is distracted driving—let someone else be the navigator, looking at the GPS. Use your hands-free capability, if possible, or let someone else check your phone calls or text messages. Taking your eyes off the road for a split second can be all the time it takes to end up in a ditch or collide with another vehicle.
Contact the Proven Personal Injury Lawyers at Bailey & Galyen
At the law office of Bailey & Galyen, we know impact that any personal injury can have on your day-to-day life. If you have been hurt in a motor vehicle accident, let us help. We’ll be your advocate throughout the legal process, acting as your liaison with insurance companies and as your advocate in all legal proceedings. Contact us by email or call our offices at 844-402-2992. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
