Stay Safe This Holiday Season with These Driving Safety Tips

 

The holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness, but the fact it comes with increased risks on the roads cannot be ignored. As the number of vehicles on the road increases during the holiday season – the number of accidents increases. 

As per the local statistics, in Sacramento, nearly 3,600 traffic accidents occur annually – many of which are preventable with proper caution.

All these mostly occur due to negligence on the road. Some major reasons reported are – distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence – which are mostly common in the holiday season. All these lead to the conclusion that it’s essential to adopt safe driving habits to avoid unnecessary mishaps. 

However, sometimes, due to other drivers’ mistakes – some accidents might take place – putting families at risk. In such cases, you can consult an experienced accident attorney Sacramento to file a no-fault claim. But again – the best solution to avoid such atrocities is prevention. 

No matter how enthusiastic you are about the holiday vibes – take proper precautions so that you and your family stay safe! If you are wondering what precautions can keep you safe on the road, then this blog is for you. 

In this blog, we’ll discuss essential driving safety tips to help ensure your holiday travels are as safe and stress-free as possible.

6 Driving Tips To Stay Safe This Holiday Season

Here are 6 essential safe driving tips for the holiday season – 

1. Get Enough Sleep

The holiday season can hit you with endorphins from exciting activities. You might want to spend time with your family – as you are away from obligations and stressful situations. All these can hamper sleep. But, if you have a drive plan scheduled – it is important to get proper rest.

As per a study, sleep deprivation can decrease cognitive functions, in addition to slowing reaction times – which increases the risk of accidents. 

If you are on a long journey – continuous driving can make you feel drowsy. So, it’s essential to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep before the journey starts. Also, take regular breaks while driving – ideally every two hours. Or, ask any licensed driver with you to switch places – so that you can take short naps. 

2. Keep Your Passengers Entertained

There are several ways you can keep your passenger entertained. Also, it is important to keep other passengers, especially children, engaged – as it reduces driver distractions. You can prepare several activities such as audiobooks, music playlists, travel games, or movies on tablets to keep them occupied. Try storytelling and some sing-along games. 

Before leaving home, ensure that electronic devices are charged and carry portable chargers. Moreover, pack snacks and drinks (ensure that non-alcoholic drinks are not carried). All these will keep your passengers away from distracting you. 

3. Choose Less Busy Days, If Possible

On busy days – the roads of Sacramento can expect heavier traffic, especially around shopping areas and highways. So, try planning your travel on less busy days for a more relaxed journey. It helps you avoid congestion and decrease the risk of accidents. 

Research traffic patterns in your area and the route you are taking. Also, consider traveling early in the morning or late at night when roads are quieter. During winter, the roads are usually slippery due to fog and rain. So, stay cautious and informed about the road conditions beforehand.

4. Watch Out For Weather Conditions

Winter weather is unpredictable – which makes it important to stay informed about current and forecasted conditions. Before you set off on your journey – check weather reports for your entire route. If snow, ice, or heavy rain are predicted – postpone your trip or choose an alternative route. 

Also, winterize your vehicle, which involves – 

• Checking tire tread and pressure 
• Verifying that your windshield wipers are in good condition
• Confirming that your defroster and heater are functioning properly

Also, consider carrying chains or snow tires – if you are planning to travel via US Highway 50, Interstate 80, and Interstate 5. Adjust your driving speed as per the road conditions. Avoid speeding up or driving in a hurry. Winter season can be very treacherous, so maintain a safe following distance to account for increased stopping distances on slippery surfaces.

Note: In case of an accident, an auto accident lawyer Sacramento might require proof of proper riding precautions to ensure your claim is honored. 

5. Prepare An Emergency Roadside Kit

There can be several unexpected situations when on the road. So, it is required to prepare beforehand for such circumstances. Having a roadside toolkit handy can keep you safe until professional help arrives. 

Your travel emergency kit should include essentials such as –

• First aid kit
• Jumper cables
• Warm blankets
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Bottled water (consider carrying hot water)

Also, you need a basic toolset and a spare tire in case you need to change it midway. Additionally, consider including items like a tire pressure gauge, duct tape, ice scraper, snow shovel, and sand or cat litter for traction.

6. Don’t Drink And Drive

That’s the most important driving tip you must consider. Never drink and drive. Alcohol can lessen road judgment, coordination, and reaction times – which are important while driving, especially on highways. If you are in a social gathering during the holiday – no wonder you will be involved in alcohol. This makes driving extremely dangerous. 

So, if you plan to drink, it’s wise to arrange for a sober driver in advance. Also, you can use public transportation or hire a rideshare service to ensure you get home safely. But these require extra precautions, and you should never take a ride alone. You can also get drunk and enjoy the holiday after you reach your home. 

Micro Tips To Drive Safe On The Roads

The holiday season often brings a surge in road traffic. This is due to several reasons – some people might plan a road trip, some may visit their loved ones, or some might just plan for a long drive. This increased activity can lead to higher risks on the roads, which makes safety a priority. 

Practicing safe driving is essential to ensure smooth and accident-free journeys during this festive time. Here are some tips to ensure you are doing your best – 

• Always wear your seatbelt and ensure all passengers do the same. 
• Check if your vehicle is in optimal condition. Double-check fuel levels, brakes, and lights.
• Avoid using mobile devices while driving, and if necessary, pull over safely before using them.
• Turn on headlights during low visibility conditions. Snow, fog, and rain decrease your visibility to other drivers.
• Adhere to traffic laws at all times. Avoid speeding, distracted driving, and aggressive behaviors. These can endanger you and other travelers on the road. 
• Have a list of emergency contacts available. Also, ensure you have roadside assistance and family members on speed dial if something goes wrong.
• Practice defensive driving, which means anticipating other drivers’ activities and maintaining a safe following distance.
• Finally, ensure your vehicle is in good condition. 

Note: Stay calm and contained in case of emergency. Don’t panic, as it may worsen the situation. 

Takeaway

The winter holiday season usually sees a sharp increase in road accidents. Hence, taking precautions and safety measures is important. However, some accidents may arise from factors beyond one’s control, which include – 

• Reckless driving by others
• Unforeseen hazards
• Mechanical failures

These situations showcase how important it is to maintain awareness while driving. Even the most cautious drivers can find themselves victims of accidents caused by someone else’s negligence. 

If you or loved ones are involved in such a situation – seek assistance from a personal injury lawyer. These professionals help you get the claim you are entitled to and secure compensation for damages or losses incurred.

Make safety your priority – it involves more than simply avoiding accidents. It includes being ready to deal with unforeseen situations. So, this holiday, drive carefully and focus only on the road. Rest assured, your holiday will be as fun as you want. 

Need An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Sacramento? Contact Doyle O’Donnell For The Best Assistance!

There is an old saying – “Don’t let the glue of circumstances harden beneath your feet.” This means – leaving your accident claim for more than 3 years can lead to claim rejection or refusal. It is understood that accidents can cause physical, emotional, and financial trauma. 

But filing an accident claim can help you overcome your financial hardship – while you may take time to heal your physical and emotional trauma. So, let us know your trouble – our experienced lawyers will handle the matter with expertise and professionalism. We will gather the evidence for you, and if required, we will negotiate with your insurance providers. 

If your claim is rejected by any means – we represent you in court. All these to ensure you are getting the amount you are supposed to. 

Don’t delay your claim – contact Doyle O’Donnell to schedule an appointment with our accident attorney, Sacramento!