It is hard to believe it, but the holiday season is right around the corner. With Thanksgiving coming up it’s the kick-off to the season, and that means more people out and about on the roads. Whether driving for holiday shopping, visiting family and friends, or attending dinners and parties, there are usually a lot more people out on the roads during this time of year. So it’s a great time to remember a few safe driving tips to help you and others while out on the road. If you’d like to to make your holiday season a little safer, here are 5 tips for you to consider.
1) Mind the Weather
If you find yourself driving in rain or snow, it’s important for you to make adjustments to the weather conditions. It may take longer for you to get stopped, it may be easier to hydroplane or lose traction, and you will need to adjust your stopping distance appropriately as well. How your car handles the specific weather conditions you’re in can vary depending on things like the weight of your vehicle, your tires, etc. So, you can’t just adjust to the speed of traffic, you must adjust to your specific vehicle. You also want to take into account that other drivers may not be making these adjustments, which makes it all the more important that you do.
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2) Watch Your Speed
We may be more excited about our destinations this time of the year, but don’t let that get you in a rush. The impact of a car crash is exponentially worse when it occurs at higher speeds. Speed limits are set based on road conditions like curves, and blind driveways. Just because you are capable of maneuvering the roads at a higher speed does not mean that it is safe to do so. So, respect the speed limit, keep yourself and others safe, and avoided a ticket, too.
3) Be Disciplined – No Distractions
Again, it is a more exciting time of the year, and that can make it even harder to stay focused when driving. But distracted driving is extremely dangerous and can be deadly. It only takes a moment of having your eyes off the road to cause an accident. It is not worth risking your life or the lives of others. So, be disciplined and don’t just avoid texting and driving, don’t let eating, adjusting the radio, or talking to your passengers become a distraction either.
4) Drive Defensively
It is easy to assume that other drivers will follow the rules of the road as well as you do, but that is not always the case. Sometimes people forget to signal, fail to yield, or don’t stop when you have the right of way. If you always have a plan for what to do if the other guy isn’t paying attention, you’re much more likely to be able to make an evasive maneuver or avoid a collision. Defensive driving also means being aware of your surroundings, keeping a safe distance between you and the car in front of you, watching your blind spot, and staying out of other people’s blind spots. The more you look out for yourself, the more personal control you have to avoid a collision.
5) Remember - It is OR not AND!
As always, we cannot fail to remind our readers that if you’re going to drink, don’t drive. If you are going to drive, don’t drink. Drink OR drive - it is or not and. If you choose to drink, use a designated driver, or get an Uber, but don’t take a chance getting behind the wheel when you are under the influence.
At Gibbons Law Firm, we look forward to the holiday season and all the joy it brings. We want you to have a happy time with your friends and family, and safe travels on the roads as well. As personal injury attorneys at Lake of the Ozarks we know how devastating car accidents can be, and we want to do anything we can to help people avoid them. If you or someone you know has been injured in a serious car accident because of someone else’s negligence, it is important that they have legal guidance to know what their rights are, and where they stand. If they are entitled to compensation, they deserve someone that is going to fight for them and be with them every step of the way to get it. Keep in mind that we offer free consultations at our law firm in Lake Ozark and we generally take personal injury cases in Central Missouri on a contingency basis so you do not have to have money in order for us to fight your case. Give us a call at our law office in Lake Ozark to schedule an appointment, and be sure to follow us on social media using the links below if you’d like to hear more tips and legal information from Gibbons Law Firm.
Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.
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