The holidays are a magical time to spend with loved ones. From Christmas parties to Hanukkah celebrations, the month of December is typically jam-packed with festive gatherings. Even though COVID-19 has changed many holiday plans, the National Safety Council warns that the roads are still a dangerous time for all drivers. According to statistics, the average number of traffic deaths over the Christmas holiday is 3.4-percent higher than other times. To help prevent injury and death, the NSC and other safety organizations urge drivers to follow specific holiday driving safety tips.
No matter where you drive, you can use the following five driving safety tips to help you arrive safely at your destination this holiday season.
5 Holiday Driving Safety Tips
#1 Do Not Drive Impaired
This may seem like common sense, but impaired drivers hit the open road every holiday season. Make a pledge not to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol this holiday season and ask your friends and family members to do the same. Instead, arrange to take public transportation, a taxi, or rideshare if possible. Better yet, designate a sober driver before your night starts.
#2 Do Not Drive Distracted
Your friends and family may want to know where you are and when you are arriving. However, resist texting while you are driving. Using your cellphone when operating a vehicle is a major distraction and one that can end in a serious and fatal crash.
#3 Plan Ahead
Before you head, plan ahead. Find the right route to take, check on traffic patterns, and keep an eye on the weather. If you drive during bad weather, be sure to adjust your driving speed and keep a larger distance between you and the vehicles around you.
#4 Buckle Up
Make sure that you and your passengers always wear a seatbelt in the car. Seatbelts save lives and can prevent serious and fatal injuries from occurring. If you have small children under the age of eight, they should be properly restrained in an age-appropriate car seat or booster seat. This alone can protect them from serious injury and harm if an accident does occur.
#5 Prepare for Winter
Every car should have an emergency preparedness kit. In the winter months, it is important to have specific items on hand in case your car breaks down in cold winter weather. Some of these items should include, but are not limited to:
- Jumper cables
- Flashlights
- First aid kit
- Blankets
- Drinking water
- Road flares
- Snowbrush, shovel, and cat litter for traction in the snow
Injured in a San Jose Car Accident?
At the Law Offices of Braid Pezzaglia, our San Jose car accident lawyer understands the complexities surrounding car crashes in Northern California. If you suffer an injury in a car accident this holiday season, we want to be the first and only call you make. Our San Jose injury lawyer is ready to help you through this difficult time.
Call us at (408) 650-8955 to schedule your free consultation and begin exploring your legal options. You can also fill out our confidential online contact form for more information.
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