Five Tips for Safe Travel During the Holidays

The approach of the holiday season means more frequent gatherings of friends and families. Oftentimes, people travel great distances to be with those they love, which increases the number of vehicles on interstates and highways. With busier roads comes a heightened risk for motor vehicle accidents.

While accidents around the holidays are certainly common, they’re also preventable. There are several easy steps you can take to protect both your vehicle and those around you as you travel this holiday season.

Keep Your Vehicle Properly Maintained

In order to make sure your vehicle is properly functioning, there are several things you can check as you prepare for long-distance travel during the holidays. As the temperature drops, your tire pressure can begin to drop. Use a tire pressure gauge to check your tires and make sure the numbers on the gauge match the recommended psi (pounds per square inch) listed either in the driver’s manual or on a sticker on the inside of the driver’s side door.

In addition to checking your tire pressure, be sure your brakes are in working order and that your car is up-to-date on all maintenance checks, company recalls, and oil changes.

Be Mindful of Sunlight Hours

With the end of Daylight Saving Time comes fewer hours of sunlight. As the days get shorter, it’s important to be aware of how many hours of daylight you’ll have during your travels. Checking local weather sources is an easy way to remain informed about the time of sunset each day.

In addition, it’s important to make sure your headlights are in working order. Be sure that both your regular headlights and brights are fully functional so that you can have clear visibility as you travel this holiday season.

Check Weather Conditions

As the seasons change, weather conditions like heavy rain and snowfall become more frequent. Increased precipitation can also present road hazards, such as heavy snowfall, black ice, and high-speed winds. It’s important that you check your local weather sources often so that you’re well informed as you plan your travels.

Additionally, you can check your windshield wipers for full functionality. Because windshield wipers are key to visibility when driving in heavy precipitation, it’s important that they be in working condition for all of your long-distance travels. Not only this, but if you live in an area that receives heavier snowfall, you might consider equipping your vehicle with an ice scraper and snow chains as you prepare to travel this holiday season.

Be on the Lookout for Wildlife

Humans aren’t the only ones traveling long distances this holiday season. Animals are on the move, too. Changing seasons means a change in the migration patterns of local wildlife. You’ll want to pay attention to signs that indicate the presence of crossing animals. Common examples of wildlife that often present hazards to motorists when crossing the road include:

• Deer
• Dogs
• Armadillos
• Cats
• Coyotes
• Foxes
• Rabbits
• Birds
• Skunks
• Possums

If you should hit a crossing animal, be sure to contact the local animal control unit. This both protects the animal and helps prevent it from becoming a hazard to any other motorists.

Stay Alert

As you’re traveling this holiday season, it’s important to remain focused. There are several common distractions that may prevent you from remaining alert when you’re behind the wheel. Examples of such distracted behavior include:

• Fatigued driving: if you don’t receive the proper amount of sleep before getting behind the wheel, you may be engaging in fatigued driving. This can be dangerous, as driving while fatigued can increase your reaction time, impair your judgment, and obscure your visibility.
• Distracted driving: there are many things that might draw your attention from the road when you’re driving. A few common examples of distractions include extended cell phone use, other passengers in the vehicle, and navigation devices.
• Driving under the influence: not only is driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol extremely dangerous, but it’s also against the law. Drunk and drugged driving can impair your judgment, decrease your depth perception, and blur your vision.

Need Help? Give Portner Bond, PLLC a Call Today

If you or someone you love has been wrongfully injured in a motor vehicle accident, the car accident attorneys of Portner Bond, PLLC are ready to help. We’ve been representing clients like you for many years and are well-equipped to walk you through each step to pursuing compensation.

Call (409) 838-4444 today to get in touch with one of our lawyers so we can help you determine the best course of action in your motor vehicle accident case.