Gibbons Law Firm: Traffic Safety Tips For Holiday Travel

Families and friends travel all across the country to spend time with one another during the holidays. The day before Thanksgiving through New Year's Day account for more traffic on our roadways than any other time of year. Unfortunately, this increased traffic also make these days some of the most dangerous as well as the busiest. Drunk driving incidents tend to increase around the holidays as well (especially when Christmas and New Year's fall on weekends, like they will this year).

If you will be traveling at all over the next few weeks, our personal injury attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to help you protect yourself, your passengers, and other drivers with these common sense safety reminders.

Driving Safety Tips

Give other drivers plenty of room.
Since there are more cars on the road this time of year than any other, it is especially important to maintain safe driving distances between yourself and the cars around you. The faster your car is traveling, the longer it will take for you to slow down, stop, or turn. Avoid tailgating the cars in front of you, and stay alert for nearby drivers who may be turning or merging.

Don't drink and drive.
Everyone knows the dangers of driving while intoxicated. Warnings signs are posted all around, countless organizations work tirelessly to spread the word, and police officers work diligently to keep intoxicated drivers off our streets. Yet despite all of these efforts, alcohol impairment accounts for nearly one third of all traffic-related deaths in the United States (source: CDC). Don't become a part of this statistic; don't drink and drive.

Don't text while driving.
Texting and driving is incredibly dangerous. Despite the staggering statistics and serious warnings drivers are exposed to every day, an alarming number of drivers cannot resist the temptation to check their phones when they get a notification or to send quick texts to family or friends while they are behind the wheel. Don't endanger yourself or other drivers by texting and driving - either ask a passenger to type your message for you, or wait until you have arrived at your destination.

Only drive when you are well rested.
Fatigued drivers put themselves and those around them at great risk. Statistically, sleep-deprived drivers are just as likely (and sometimes even more likely) than drunk drivers to be in an accident. Some argue that drowsy driving poses an even greater risk than distracted driving or drunk driving, since even people who would never drive while intoxicated or texting may still drive when they are sleepy.

Auto Safety Reminders

Check your tire pressure.
If your tires are not properly inflated, you may not get adequate traction on the roads. Keep in mind that fluctuating temperatures can cause your tire pressure to change rapidly, so it's important to check it frequently.

Check your fluid levels.
Engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and wiper fluid are just a few examples of the fluids your car needs to run safely. While it's always important to make sure these levels are properly maintained, it is especially important to double-check them before embarking on a big road trip.

Get a checkup before a big road trip.
The last thing anybody wants is for their car to break down and leave them stranded on the side of the road. If you will be traveling frequently or covering long distances over the holidays, it may be wise to get your vehicle inspected by a trustworthy mechanic before you depart. This will allow you time to make any necessary repairs before they become a major problem.

Contact Gibbons Law Firm For Personal Injury Representation

On behalf of everyone at our general practice law firm at the Lake of the Ozarks, we wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season. We sincerely hope that you enjoy all of your holiday celebrations and travel to all of your destinations without incident. If you suffer an injury at the hands of another individual, however, our personal injury team in Osage Beach MO will be here to defend your rights and help you fight for the compensation you deserve.