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With the hustle and bustle the holiday season brings every year, it is no wonder that it is also one of the most dangerous times to be on the road. With so many cars congesting the roadways, here are a few simple driving tips to keep yourself and your family safe this holiday season.
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States, and distractions likely increase during the holidays. The main cause of distracted driving accidents is cell phone use. Using a phone while driving is one of the most dangerous habits, as a few seconds of your eyes off the road can be the difference between life or death. Distracted driving only worsens during the holidays, as the increased number of people on the road combined with more distractions can be a deadly combination.
There are likely more drowsy drivers on the road during the holidays. With an increase in activities, many drivers are overextending themselves and do not take enough time to rest.
Drowsy driving is quite similar to drunk driving, as your reaction time is slowed, your judgement of distance is reduced, and you can easily lose focus. Be sure to get enough rest before getting behind the wheel, especially if you plan on taking a long trip. Take frequent breaks as well, or share driving duties with other passengers if you do begin to feel drowsy.
The days leading up to the holidays are likely the busiest, especially the weekend before. If you must travel or go out, do so on less busier days if you can, like a weekday during the day while people are at work. If you are taking a long trip, plan on leaving a day or two earlier, and do the same when coming back.
Stay alert and drive defensively, especially when there are a lot of cars on the road. Driving defensively consists of letting others have the right-of-way, leaving enough room between yourself and other cars, and anticipating the movements of other cars. Also, always keep your eyes on the road, and scan the road ahead of you in case you have to make an emergency stop.
Always be on the lookout for drunk drivers, as a lot of people like to celebrate the holidays with alcohol. This is especially true on the weekends and on busy bar nights.
If you go out, make sure you have a way to get home safe, either by using a designated driver, a taxi, or a ridesharing app. If you will be hosting a party, stop serving alcohol a few hours before the party ends, and let people who have been drinking stay at your place, or arrange rides for them.
Always pay attention to the weather, as ice can form overnight, especially black ice. Plan ahead of time to make sure you do not get stuck in a snowstorm, and delay your trip if the weather is dangerous.
It is always a good idea to have an emergency car kit on hand. Have flares, drinkable water, non-perishable food, and a flashlight in your emergency kit. Also, be sure to have a few blankets and a phone charger just in case.
If you have been injured because of another driver’s negligence, then contact one of our Wilmington car accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Call us at 302-656-5445 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation today. We are located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, and we serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.