Did you know that while the holidays may be one of the most joyful times of the year, there is also a major uptick in accidents between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve? With more drivers on the road, bad weather, and holiday celebrations that involve alcohol (leading to drunk driving), the roads aren’t the safest place to be during the holidays. If you’re traveling by car this holiday season, whether across the country to be with family or a few blocks to the neighbor’s, here are some tips for staying safe–
Build Your Vehicle Emergency Kit
One easy way to help keep you and the rest of your family safe when driving is to create a vehicle emergency kit that always travels with you. A vehicle emergency kit should include basic things related to vehicle repairs and maintenance–like a tire repair kit and snow scraper–as well as things like a blanket and warm clothes, food and water in case you get stranded somewhere, lights, extra medication, a first aid kit, and a shovel.
Prep for the Snow
You never know when it’s going to snow in Iowa. As such, it’s best to always be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way. If you don’t have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, it’s smart to get snow tires put on your car for the winter, or to carry chains at the very least. Additionally, make sure that you have a good ice scraper on hand, and that your vehicle’s fluids are all topped-off. Finally, try to maintain a full tank of gas during the wintertime, as you never know when you might experience some sort of emergency that requires you to run the heat for longer than you expected.
Have a Get-Home-Safe Plan
Going to any holiday parties or fun dinners this holiday season? If so and the booze will be flowing, make a plan for how you and others in your party will go home safely before you leave. Public transportation, rideshares, calling a friend or a family member, designating a member of your party as the sober driver, or even walking home are all better options than driving drunk. Drunk driving is illegal, could change your life if you get caught, and could result in a severe accident that takes the life of you or another person.
Avoid Bad Weather
We know that you have places to go and things to see, but driving in bad weather is one way to put yourself at an increased risk for an accident. Always check the weather in advance, and plan your route to avoid uncleared streets, too. If things are looking especially rough outside, consider just staying home.
Drive Defensively
Finally, remember that even if you’re the safest driver on the road, it’s impossible to say what other drivers will do. Especially during the holidays where there are many out-of-towners on the road, as well as an increased number of drunk drivers, use caution and drive defensively. Keep your distance from any drivers who are performing erratic behaviors, and if you suspect that a driver is drunk, memorize their car details, and then find a safe place to pull over and Sin to the police.
Call Telpner Peterson Law Firm, LLP If You’re in a Crash this Holiday Season
The holidays are meant to be about time with family, giving thanks, and feeling joyful about the year to come – the last thing that you planned for was to spend your holiday season in the hospital. If you’re involved in a crash this holiday season, don’t hesitate to call the experienced auto accident attorneys at the office of the Telpner Peterson Law Firm, LLP. We offer free consultations and will work hard for you.