Millions of Americans travel during the holidays, with many driving great distances to visit loved ones. Unfortunately, the increase in travel over holiday weekends also means an increase in the total number of serious car accidents. A lot of these accidents result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities.
Here are some tips for staying safe while driving on the road this holiday season:
- Go to the gas station. Getting stuck on the side of a busy highway due to an empty gas tank can be incredibly dangerous. Avoid this nightmare by filling up at the gas station before departing.
- Secure your pets. If you are bringing your dog or cat with you during holiday travels, make sure that the animal is secured in the car. You don’t want your pet to be too mobile while you are driving because the animal may become a serious distraction – and possibly cause an accident.
- Pack water. Bring bottles of water for you and your passengers – or you may have to make frequent stops along the way in order to get something to drink.
- Don’t text while driving. Texting while driving is incredibly dangerous because it means that your focus is not entirely on the road. If you take your eyes off the roadway for just a moment, the end result could be catastrophic.
- Don’t drink and drive. It probably goes without saying that drinking and driving can be incredibly dangerous to you and to other motorists, but it bears repeating because there is always a surge in DWI accidents during the holidays as people drive home after consuming alcohol at gatherings with family and friends.
- Wear a seat belt. You should always wear your seatbelt because you never know when an accident might happen. This is especially important during holiday weekends when roads tend to be jam-packed with other travelers.
If you were involved in a car accident in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, you need to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney immediately. Contact The Law Offices of Richard A. Stoloff via our online contact form for a free consultation.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney/client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.