10 tips for safe driving during holiday travel

Many people choose to travel by car for the holiday season, whether driving to visit family and friends in another city, or going on vacation. While driving means avoiding the crowds and stress of airports, driving during the holidays presents its own unique risks. You should exercise extra care when driving during the holiday season, especially with extra motorists on the road. Unfortunately, you’re likely to encounter stressed, angry, distracted, fatigued, or intoxicated drivers during your holiday travel. 

Here is what you need to know about driving safely during holiday travel. 

Tips for Safe Driving During the Holidays

Here are 10 tips to keep in mind for staying safe on the road when traveling for the holidays:

1. Avoid drinking and driving – If you are going to a holiday party or event where alcohol is served, make plans to get home safely, whether that means having a designated driver, staying over for the night, or taking a taxi or rideshare.
2. Get up to date with vehicle maintenance – Consider taking your vehicle into the shop for regular maintenance before a long holiday road trip. Check your brakes and fluids and make sure your vehicle has all-weather or winter tires.
3. Plan your route – Make sure you know what roads you will be taking so that you are less likely to get lost. You should also check the likely weather and traffic conditions along your route. 
4. Buckle up – Make sure you and your passengers are wearing seat belts and that young children are restrained in age/size-appropriate car or booster seats. 
5. Avoid drowsy/fatigued driving – Make sure to get a good night’s sleep before a long day of driving. Remember to take regular breaks and to share driving duties if traveling with other drivers. If you begin to feel tired, pull into a rest area to stretch, drink water, or take a nap.
6. Pack an emergency kit in your car – Have an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes a battery brick to charge your phone, blankets, gloves, warning triangles, water, and a flashlight.
7. Avoid cell phone use while driving – Keep your full attention on the road. If you need to use your cell phone, make sure to have a Bluetooth device or use the hands-free system in your vehicle if it has one.
8. Maintain a safe following distance – Ensure that you leave enough space from the vehicle in front of you to be able to safely brake if the vehicle in front of you stops. Leave extra space if you encounter slick road conditions.
9. Don’t speed – Leave yourself extra time to get to your destination. Follow the speed limit, driving a little slower if you face hazardous road or weather conditions.
10. Stay calm – Avoid the temptation to give in to anger if you begin to feel stressed. If necessary, pull into the next rest stop to take a walk and some deep breaths to calm down. 

What to Do If You Are Involved in an Accident Over the Holidays

Steps you should remember to take after being in a motor vehicle accident include:

• Report the accident to the authorities
• Exchange insurance information with the other drivers involved in the crash 
• Notify your insurance company
• Seek prompt medical attention if you are injured 
• Follow your doctor’s treatment instruction
• Keep copies of bills and invoices to document your expenses and losses
• Contact an auto accident lawyer as soon as possible to get legal advice and assistance

Contact a Clark Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Motor Vehicle Accident Case in New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in New Jersey? Don’t wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Team Law represent clients injured because of motor vehicle accidents in Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, and throughout New Jersey. Call (732) 540-1394 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 136 Central Ave., Clark, NJ 07066, as well as offices in West New York, Perth Amboy, Edison, Summit, Newark, New Brunswick, Orange, Plainfield, and Jersey City.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.