Headed out on the road this holiday season? You are not alone. Road and highway traffic increases during the holiday season. Keep you, your family, and others safe by following these 5 safety tips for holiday travel.
- PREPARE YOUR VEHICLE. Before even heading out, make sure your vehicle is ready for travel:
- Have your vehicle inspected. Do you need an oil change or new brakes?
- Make sure your insurance is current. If an accident were to occur, you want to be sure you’re covered.
- Pack an emergency kit. Keep a box of water, snacks, flashlights, blankets, jumper cables, etc.
- Snow tools. Consider installing snow tires, or keeping snow chains and a shovel in the trunk.
- PLAN YOUR TRIP. With so many travelers on the road, you definitely do not want to wing it:
- Travel app. Plan your trip in a travel app, then download the map and instructions so you will be able to access that information, even without internet or phone service.
- Plan for stops. This is very important to keep the driver attentive and helpful when traveling long distances with kids and/or pets.
- Notify your destination. Let someone at your destination know when you plan on leaving, where you plan on stopping, and what your estimated time of arrival is. In the event that anything happens, that person and the authorities will be able to follow your plan.
- BUCKLE UP. Seat belt use is the most effective way to save lives and reduce injuries in a car crash, so why not buckle up?!
- Follow the law. Every state has different laws regarding seat belt use. Arizona law states that all front-seat passengers must wear a seat belt, and any passenger 16 years old or younger must wear a seat belt, regardless of where they are sitting. By omission, it appears that adults in the backseat aren’t legally obligated to wear a seat belt, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t
- Use proper car seats. Buckling up includes making sure that child car seats are properly installed and used.
- DON’T DRIVE DISTRACTED. Nearly 1 in 5 car crashes involve a distracted driver.
- Alcohol/drug use. There really is no excuse for driving while intoxicated, especially with the ease of ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft.
- Don’t text and drive. Use voice commands or ask a passenger.
- Don’t eat and drive. Pullover and take a break!
- OBEY THE RULES OF THE ROAD
- Speed limits. Obey them, especially if the weather is bad.
- Traffic signs. They exist for a reason!
- Drive responsibly. Making it to your destination safely is the most important thing, don’t do anything to jeopardize that.
If you are injured in a car accident this holiday season, contact Kamper & Estrada, PLLC. Our experienced personal injury lawyers offer a free one-hour consultation, so you can learn what your recovery options might be.
