The holidays are meant to be a time of joy, not pain. Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter are popular American holidays that result in a mass migration of people across the nation. Labor Day, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day are also major holidays that are known for drawing large crowds. As everyone is eager to meet with family and friends, highways and interstates become excessively crowded. Congested roadways combined with anxious commuters is a recipe for dangerous driving conditions. Allow these safe driving tips to guide you through your holiday travels.
Have Your Vehicle Inspected
You should have your car inspected before any long drives. If you have been ignoring that ‘check engine’ light for a couple of days, it is probably time you have your vehicle serviced. Do not wait until the last minute to do so, as mechanics are often overwhelmed with work around the holidays. You should have your tire pressure, and alignment checked as well as any other issue that can become hazardous during your travels.
Plan Your Route in Advance
Take the time to outline a route before you begin your drive if you are visiting an unfamiliar location. Check the weather and common traffic conditions to help you decide on the most efficient path to your destination. You should also have a backup to your GPS system in the event of a technological malfunction. The last thing you want to do is make the wrong turn and end up in the middle of nowhere without any resource to help you find your way.
Rest Up
You will need all of your energy to deal with the road conditions that lie ahead. Try to get a full night’s rest the night before hitting the road. Make sure you have everything prepared so that all you’ll need to do is wake up, brush your teeth, and drive. You should also fill your tank the night before so that you won’t have to make any unnecessary stops before merging onto the highway.
Leave Early
The earlier you leave, the more likely you are to beat the holiday traffic. Holiday traffic is some of the worst there is. Leave at a time that allows you to beat the traditional morning traffic so that you don’t end up getting backed up in your own city. You can best accomplish this when you plan and rest up the night before.
Be Patient
No one wants to be on the road during the holidays, but everyone needs to get to their destination. One can expect to encounter a few reckless drivers during their travels. Don’t allow them provoke you into speeding or driving recklessly as well. Allow them to pass and remain focused on safely arriving at your destination.
These holiday driving tips should help for a safe commute, but do not eliminate the possibility of an accident occurring. Call Car Accident Cases if you or someone you know suffers a car accident injury. We can get you in touch with an experienced car accident attorney in your area who can help you seek compensation for damages. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.