No matter what time of year it is that you plan on traveling, you should always be employing the safety tactics you have learned that are meant to keep you and your loved ones safe. Driving has become extremely risky, especially during late November to mid-January when travel spikes. [Source: Courier Post]. Did you know that “on Thanksgiving alone, an estimated 55 million travelers made trips of 50 miles or more, with the vast majority of holiday travelers driving to their destinations?”
If you plan on taking a trip during one of the busiest times of the year (i.e. Christmas, New Years, Labor Day, etc.), consider these travel safety trips provided on behalf of the Courier Post that aim to reduce your chances of engaging in a wreck.
- “Adopt a zero-tolerance policy of driving or allowing others to drive intoxicated.” If you plan on heading out for the holidays and you know you will be drinking, be sure to assign a friend or relative with the role of being your designated driver. In the event your designated driver decides to drink while you are out, you can always turn to a rideshare service to get you home or to your next destination.
- Discourage cellphone use while driving. Whether you will be the one driving or someone else has accepted the responsibility of manning the wheel, it is important that cellphones are put away and kept out of sight until the vehicle has stopped and it is safe to use it. Cellphones have served as a factor in many of the serious and fatal wrecks that have occurred as they divert a driver’s attention from the road. And when a driver becomes distracted, they are less likely able to react in time in the event of an emergency or if they are required to stop abruptly.
Tip: The Courier Post recommends that you give your cellphone to another passenger to hold or put it out of reach so you are less tempted to check it.
- Check the weather conditions for your travel route before beginning your trip. It is always a good idea to know what type of weather you are likely to encounter when traveling during the holidays so that you are prepared for it or can plan your trip around it. For instance, if you are going to be traveling through an area where the temperatures are low and there is rainfall, then you know to reduce your speeds when you approach these areas as the roads could be icy. Back in October 2019, a woman in Iowa lost control of her vehicle after passing over an icy road. Her vehicle crossed the median and crashed into another driver. As a result of the wreck, the woman lost her unborn child as well as both of her legs [Source: The Courier].
- Be sure to get adequate sleep before beginning your trip. Drowsy driving is never encouraged as it only heightens your risk for a wreck.
- Leave early. If you need to get to your destination by a certain time, it is best you leave early in case you run into heavy traffic or need to pull off the road should you become tired.
- Before leaving, always check to be sure everyone is buckled in properly. It is especially important that you check to be sure small children and babies are buckled into their seats properly as safety belts help reduce the chances of suffering serious injuries in the event of a wreck.
- Be prepared for the unexpected. Anything can happen during your road trip. You could experience car trouble or catch a flat tire. Because you never know what might happen, it is best that you bring some basic items with you such as “a blanket, water, energy bars, a first aid kit, an extra sweatshirt or warm layer of clothing, a warm pair of socks and a rain poncho.”
- If the event of a car wreck, remain in your vehicle if it is safe for you to do so. There have been many cases of people getting struck by passing vehicles, especially “during the night or in low visibility conditions.” So, rather be safe than sorry, it is recommended that you remain inside your vehicle given it is off the road and not obstructing traffic until help has arrived.
- Check your vehicle to ensure it is prepared for the winter. When traveling on the road, especially during the winter months, it is important for you to keep an emergency preparedness kit inside your vehicle. Your emergency preparedness kit “should include a shovel, jumper cables, warning devices such as flares or reflective safety triangles, a flashlight with extra batteries, a portable cell-phone charger, and a set of sturdy, warm work gloves.”
While most people dedicate a significant amount of their time prepping and planning for the holidays, very few take into consideration just how dangerous the roadways are. Therefore, to ensure your holiday season is safe and crash-free, don’t forget to take into account the safety tips we have shared with you above and always practice safe driving. In the event you or someone you know engages in a wreck in Nashville, don’t wait to contact Nashville, TN car accident attorney George R. Fusner Jr. Our TN car wreck law firm is here to help you and your loved ones understand their rights as well as assist you with recovering the compensation you might be entitled to collect.
You can reach the Law Office of George R. Fusner Jr. at
7104 Peach Court
Brentwood, TN 37027
Phone- 615-251-0005
Fax- 615-370-8447
Website: www.gfusnerlaw.com
