The Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are rapidly approaching. This year, as more and more Americans receive the Covid-19 vaccination, AAA anticipates there will be more drivers on the road than ever before. Last year, even with the pandemic fully underway, more than 44.5 million Americans traveled to their destination by car. Following holiday driving tips can help you stay safe on the road in 2021 and avoid serious or fatal car accidents.
From drunk driving crashes to weather accidents, the risk of getting into a car accident increases drastically in the weeks between Thanksgiving through New Year’s. According to the National Safety Council, an average of 343 people die in traffic accidents during the three-day Christmas holiday.
To avoid being a statistic, it is important to follow a few simple holiday driving tips.
HOLIDAY DRIVING TIPS TO FOLLOW
- Plan Ahead. The best safety tip to follow is to plan ahead. Before you start your trip, make sure that your vehicle is well serviced, that you have a sober-driving plan in place, and that you know the route to your destination. Check the weather, so you can drive when road conditions are safe. In addition, prepare a winter-safety kit for your car in case you get stranded or stuck in snow or ice.
- Get Sleep. Before you embark on a long road trip, make sure you get adequate sleep. The NHTSA estimates that more than 800 deaths and 44,000 injuries could have been avoided in the years between 2009 and 2013 if drivers had not driven fatigued. Make sure you are well-rested before leaving and that you have a plan for stopping frequently to refresh and recharge.
- Don’t Drive Impaired. The holidays can be a fun time to get together with family and friends. No matter where you travel, never drive drunk or impaired. Call an Uber, a Lyft, or a taxi if needed to help you arrive at your destination safely. Even better – plan ahead and designate a sober driver.
- Don’t Speed. Watch your speed when you travel during the holidays. Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination, so you are not tempted to drive over the speed limit. According to studies, for every one percent increase in speed, your risk of getting into an accident increases two-fold.
- Put Your Phone Away. Never use your cellphone while driving. Before you leave, let friends and family members know that you will not check your phone while you drive. This may prevent them from texting or calling you while you are on the road. If you must, place your phone in airplane mode or put your phone in the glove box.
WHY CHOOSE OUR SOUTH CAROLINA CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS?
At Parker & Bain, LLC, our car accident lawyers have the resources and experience to tackle even the most complex accident case. We are not afraid to go toe-to-toe with large insurance companies to help our clients achieve maximum compensation. Without a Spartanburg, Gaffney car accident lawyer from our law firm on your side, you may not receive the compensation you deserve.
If you suffered an injury in a car accident in South Carolina, we can help. Call us today at (864) 489-8128 or fill out our confidential contact form for more information. We offer free initial consultations, so you can begin seeking justice and learn more about your legal options. Call us today to learn more about your legal options.