The holiday season is upon us and after the last two years of the pandemic, people are ready to celebrate! For many, that means loading up the vehicle and going on a road trip to visit loved ones, or just taking a much needed vacation.
If you are planning on getting behind the wheel at all this holiday, it is crucial that you keep safety at the top of your mind. Not only do you want everyone to get to their destination safely these holidays, but if you cause a crash, you could be found negligent and held liable for paying damages. Below are the five biggest mistakes people make when driving during the holidays, and how you can avoid them.
Failing to Prepare Your Vehicle
One of the worst things that could happen on a road trip is that you break down and do not have any of the items you need to get going again. To prevent this from occurring, it is crucial that you fully prepare your vehicle before you head out on the roads. Make sure your fluids are topped up, your tires are checked, and that your vehicle is ready for the cold weather.
While you are preparing your vehicle, also make sure you pack an emergency kit in your vehicle. This emergency kit should include a spare tire, jumper cables, blankets, a first aid kit, non-perishable food, and bottled water. If you have these emergency items and your vehicle breaks down, you will be much more likely to make it out of the situation safely.
Failing to Prepare for Icy Roads
Georgia sees little snowfall during the holidays, and the roads are not usually icy. However, it is always best to prepare for icy roads, particularly if you are traveling to northern states where snow and ice are very common. Fit your tires with chains, invest in snow tires, or use another anti-skidding device. If you do find yourself driving in bad weather, remember to drive slowly and if you begin to slide, do not make any sudden movements.
Not Knowing Where You are Going
Nearly every cell phone today has a GPS app installed on it and for many, these apps are very convenient. However, you should never rely on these systems if you are traveling to an area you are not familiar with. You may lose the signal, your phone could die, and a number of other things could happen that result in you not being able to find your way.
Always bring a road map with you so you will have directions no matter what occurs. If you do end up losing the GPS on your phone, have someone in the vehicle navigate for you or pull over to the side of the road to determine where you are going so you do not become distracted.
Having Too Much to Drink
It can be easy to imbibe while celebrating the holidays with family and friends. Unfortunately, it is also very easy to lose track of how much “holiday cheer” you have had. It is unsafe to get behind the wheel even if you feel that you are only slightly “buzzed” but not yet drunk. The chances are that you are over the legal limit, which will mean you will suffer from perception issues, slow reaction times, and you may make bad decisions. Driving under the influence is not only extremely dangerous, but could also leave you facing criminal charges.
Leaving Your Vehicle
When people do become stranded on the roads, they often leave their vehicle to go search for help. This is a mistake. Unless your vehicle is in an unsafe place, such as the middle of the road, you should never leave it. You have a much better chance of being found safe if you remain in your vehicle, where you are more likely to keep warm, dry, and safe. This is another reason it is so important to have an emergency kit in your vehicle. Place flares near the vehicle and allow the car to run a few minutes every hour so you have some warmth.
Call Our Car Accident Lawyer in Conyers After a Crash
Sometimes, you can take all the necessary steps to avoid a crash, but it still happens. When that is the case and someone else was at fault, our Conyers car accident lawyers at MG Law are here to help. Call us today at (770) 988-5252 or fill out our online form to request a free consultation.
Michael Geoffroy’s law practice focuses on auto collisions, premises liability, wrongful death, and catastrophic injury. He stands up for the cause of justice throughout Georgia and on behalf of his clients every day. He is a leader in both the courtroom and the community, having been recognized numerous times for his involvement in each.