Traveling This Holiday Season? Here Are Some Holiday Safety Tips

As the holiday season approaches, road trips to visit family and friends are on the minds of many Washington residents. Traveling during the holidays can be exciting, but the roads can be crowded and more dangerous than usual. 

If you plan on traveling this holiday season, it is important to understand these risks and plan accordingly. Here are a few tips to stay safe during your wintery travels.

#1: Prepare for Snow and Ice

The roads can be dangerous when it is snowing or icy. Before traveling for the holidays, it is important to ensure that your vehicle is in good condition to drive in colder weather. When the weather starts to drop, check that your brakes are in good condition, replace any fluids, and look under the hood for cracks. If you anticipate traveling in the snow, switch out your tires to ones that can handle snowfall. 

#2: Be Aware of Drunk Drivers

There is a high rate of drunk driving during the holidays, which is extremely dangerous for everyone. According to the National Safety Council, 38% of traffic fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver during the Christmas holiday period in 2019.

When you head out onto the road this holiday season, keep an eye out for intoxicated drivers. If you notice a driver who is swerving, speeding, or otherwise driving dangerously, keep a safe distance and report the driver to the police. Most importantly, never drink and drive.

#3: Share Your Travel Plans

If you are traveling for the holidays, at least one person should know where you are going and when you plan to be there. In case you are stranded or involved in a collision, you may not arrive at your destination on time. In these situations, a trusted family member or friend can alert the rest of your loved ones and seek help. 

#4: Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Vehicle

You never know what could happen during a road trip. You could be injured in an accident, become stranded in an unfamiliar location, or get caught in bad weather. To protect yourself during these unexpected situations, it is important to keep an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times.

Make sure the emergency kit is easily accessible by placing it in your trunk or the backseat of your car. You can stock your kit with many types of supplies, including:

• Flashlights
• First-aid supplies
• Jumper cables
• Extra batteries
• Non-perishable foods
• Drinking water
• Duct tape
• Snow brush and shover
• Cat litter for traction
• A battery-powered phone charger
• A tool kit or multi-purpose tool
• Extra blankets and winter clothes

#5: Get Enough Rest

Fatigued or drowsy driving can contribute to serious motor vehicle accidents. Before heading out onto the road, make sure to get enough sleep. If you feel tired, pull over in a safe location and get some rest.

Speak to a Washington Car Accident Lawyer

Traffic accidents are common during the holiday season, leading to serious physical injuries, financial hardship, and psychological trauma. In the event of a motor vehicle collision, you have the right to pursue an insurance claim or a lawsuit and recover compensation for these losses.

Immediately after a car accident, it is important to consult with a lawyer. A Washington car accident lawyer can help you identify your legal options and secure the settlement that you deserve. Get in touch with an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options.