Gibbons Law Firm: Driving Tips for Holiday Travel

It's that time of year again! As the holiday season rolls around, a number of families plan their road trips. Whether you're visiting family or getting away with your loved ones for a vacation, the roadways become busier and busier. With the increase in traffic, it's important to help make the roads a safe place for you and everyone on the road. As your Lake of the Ozarks lawyer, I'd like to remind everyone of a few ways to improve the road conditions with these driving tips below.

Our personal injury lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks is here for you as you travel throughout the holiday season. If you happen to be involved in a collision or other incident, Gibbons Law Firm is one call away! Our law firm can help you sort out an incident that may have occurred while on a road trip with your family, especially if an injury was sustained.

Driving Safety Tips:

Leave Plenty of Room
It's recommended to leave one car length per every ten miles an hour you are traveling. This allows adequate time for you to stop in a hurry if needed. Many incidents that occur on the roadways are due to drivers following too closely. It's important to increase driving distance if there are any other factors in the driving conditions - like fog, rain, or snow.

Put the Phone Down
While it isn't illegal to text and drive if you are over the age of 21, it's strongly advised against. Distracted driving is very dangerous to yourself and others on the road. The road ahead of you can change in a split second, even during the short amount time you look down at your phone. Keep your full attention on the road at all times while operating a motor vehicle.

Designate a Driver
Always designate a driver for you and your group if you choose to partake in adult beverages as the holiday season approaches. It can be fun to get together with old friends and celebrate the upcoming holidays with new acquaintances, but it's important to think ahead and have a way to get home. Even if it means calling a cab, it makes for safer roadways for everyone involved (and helps keep you out of legal trouble).

Rest Well Before Departure
Many times traveling during the holidays lead to leaving early or departing late at night to make it to your destination. Driving drowsy can hinder your ability to make quick reactions to changing conditions on the roadways. Always ensure your driver is well-rested before heading out on a holiday road trip.

Keep an Eye on the Weather
The risk of freezing rain or snow increase as the temperature drops during the holiday season. Even if the forecast is clear when you depart for your destination, be sure to check it on a regular basis to ensure no significant changes have come about. For a pleasant travel experience during the upcoming holidays, try to avoid driving on slick roads.

As your general practice law firm at the Lake of the Ozarks, our entire staff wishes you and yours a safe and happy holiday season. The safety tips above can help keep you and your family safe this weekend. If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a vehicle accident and injured at someone else's fault, a personal injury attorney near Lake Ozark, MO can help you through the process. Contact us today to learn how we can help you defend your case!

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.