The holiday season is here and, if you are anything like most people, you might be planning to take some time off to go on a trip. While going on a nice winter vacation can be fun, you should still remember to stay safe, especially given how hectic the roads can be around this time of year. In fact, according to the United States Department of Transportation, the holiday season is the busiest travel time of the year. This also means that the risk of an accident substantially increases.
How can you mitigate these risks and stay safe as you embark on your journey this winter? Read our list of helpful safety tips below:
- Plan out your route: This does not mean you cannot mount your GPS in your car, but relying entirely on technology to tell you where to go can be a little dangerous, given that glitches, errors, or loss of signal can easily derail your plans. Read a map, know your route, and even choose a backup route in case of a road closure. This will save you time, and keep you from getting lost if the GPS fails you.
- Think about the days you plan on traveling: If it is at all possible, try to avoid popular travel days when planning your holiday trip. This might mean extending or shortening your trip by a day or two to avoid traveling in high traffic.
- The toll booths will have long lines: If you are aware of any toll booths along your travel route, consider using an EZ Pass, Fast Pass, or make sure you have plenty of change to pay the toll. If you are worried about arriving at your destination at a certain time, make sure you hit the road early to ensure you are never in a race against time.
- Pack for a worst-case scenario: Everyone always hopes for the best when they go on vacation, but the fact is that some problems are unavoidable. Make sure you pack and prepare for the worst by keeping items like water, food, blankets, extra warm clothing, and even a small snow shovel in your car. You should also make sure your gas tank is full when you embark on your trip.
- Be aware of any necessary car maintenance: The last thing you want when you set out on a trip during the holidays is for your car to break down and completely ruin your plans, so make sure it is in good working condition days before you plan to leave. Check your oil level, tire pressure, and check to see if your headlights, tail lights, and brake lights all work. If anything is in need of repairs, make sure you get it taken care of as soon as possible. Whatever you do, never take the risk of driving a vehicle that needs to be serviced.
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If you were recently involved in an accident that was caused by another party’s negligence and sustained injuries, you have a right to pursue fair and just compensation. At Martin Jean & Jackson in Oklahoma, our team of personal injury attorneys is backed by over 100 years of combined legal experience and a proven track record of success that includes over $500 million in verdicts and settlements recovered on behalf of our clients.
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