Tips for Safe Driving This Holiday Season

With the holiday season officially underway, the roads are already bustling with people traveling to celebrate with family and friends. Unfortunately, this influx of cars on the roads means that motorists are even more at risk of being involved in a car accident than usual. Read on for a few tips on how to attempt to navigate Florida’s holiday traffic safely this year.

Planning Ahead 

One of the best ways to prevent accidents during the holidays is to be sure to plan ahead. This includes:

• Making a pre-trip vehicle check by ensuring that your vehicle’s brakes, lights, tires, and fluids are in good condition;
• Planning your route in advance, which can help you avoid having to make last-minute turns or changes in direction that could result in an accident;
• Trying to travel during non-peak hours by planning your departure and return times;
• Giving yourself extra time to get to your destination, as many accidents are caused by people who are rushing or in a hurry and so aren’t paying enough attention to the road; and
• Using navigation applications to stay up-to-date on traffic conditions, which can help you make informed decisions while driving.

By taking these steps ahead of time, Florida drivers can help avoid being the cause of a serious car accident this holiday season.

Using Defensive Driving Techniques 

Another thing that you can do to improve your chances of avoiding an accident during the holidays is to utilize defensive driving techniques, such as:

• Maintaining a safe following distance (of at least three seconds between your vehicle and the others in front of you), which gives you more time for reaction time in the event of a sudden stop;
• Anticipating the actions of other drivers by keeping eye out for brake lights, turn signals, and erratic behavior;
• Avoiding distractions, which can be especially dangerous during congested holiday traffic; and
• Taking breaks to stay alert, especially during long holiday road trips, where even a momentary lapse of attention or fatigue could result in an accident.

While taking these kinds of precautionary measures doesn’t guarantee that a person will avoid being in a car accident, it can go a long way towards reducing your chances of being the cause of a crash.

Preparing for the Weather 

While we don’t see a lot of snow in Florida, we still see our fair share of inclement weather, which can be dangerous when driving during the holidays. To prepare for these conditions, be sure to check the weather along your entire route before driving and if possible, stay off the roads when visibility is low. If you can’t avoid driving in rainy, wet, or cold weather, be sure to adjust your driving style to account for it. This includes slowing down and increasing your following distance, which will give you better control of your vehicle and lower your chances of skidding.

Retaining a Personal Injury Lawyer

 Unfortunately, even those who use the greatest of care when driving this holiday season could end up injured in an accident. If this happens to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experienced and compassionate Florida car accident lawyers at Boone & Davis for help seeking compensation for your losses.

Sources: 

miamidade.gov/global/fire/safety-driving-during-the-holidays.page

cdc.gov/injury/features/holiday-road-safety/index.html