There is no time of year where more people drive than during the holiday season. Unfortunately, the sheer number of people on the road, combined with environmental conditions, means that it is also one of the most dangerous times to be driving. If you want to avoid an auto accident, make sure to follow these basic tricks, which can help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road:
- Stick to the speed limit, especially during or right after a storm
- While people should always be following the speed limit, the fact of the matter is that people regularly ignore the speed limit, especially on the highway. However, taking it slow is particularly important during the holiday season, when snow and ice can make roads treacherous to drive on. If you want to avoid an auto accident this holiday season, stick to the speed limit, especially during or after a winter storm.
- Avoid driving at night whenever possible
- It is a simple fact that more accidents happen when it is dark outside than during the daytime. During the spring and summer, driving late is less of an issue because of how late the sun stays out. But during the holiday season, the sun sets early, making it increasingly dangerous to drive in the evening. Thus, you should avoid driving at night whenever possible, and plan your travels accordingly.
- Keep your vehicle well-maintained
- It is not possible to anticipate every possible hazard you can encounter on the road, but a well-maintained vehicle has a better chance of standing up to any hazards you encounter. Unfortunately, not everyone keeps their vehicles properly maintained, making them less safe to drive. Ensuring your car is well-maintained will give you the best chance to avoid an accident, and will minimize the risk of unforeseen mechanical failures that may result in an auto accident.
- Watch out for erratic and aggressive drivers
- The holiday season is supposed to be a time for merriment and good cheer, but not everyone seems to have gotten the right message. A surprising number of drivers will engage in aggressive driving, cutting off other drivers, tailgating them, or even intentionally stopping short to cause accidents. Others will get a little too into the spirit of the season, and drive when under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants, causing them to drive erratically. Either way, watch for these drivers and steer clear if you can.
- Avoid distractions that take your attention away from driving
- Finally, you should try to make sure you do not have any distractions taking your attention away from the road. Cell phone use is a major culprit here, but so is any other type of activity that you might try to do while you are driving. If possible, try to make sure other passengers are not taking up your attention, because distractions from rowdy children or festive partiers can be just as dangerous as any other distraction.
If you or a loved one have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you should seek out the personal injury lawyers at Zlotolow & Associates. Our seasoned New York personal injury attorneys bring more than two decades of trial experience to your case. We serve all five boroughs of New York City, as well as Nassau and Suffolk County. Our aggressive personal injury attorneys always demand maximum compensation. We have helped thousands of clients recover through settlements and courtroom verdicts.
