Traveling for the Holidays? Stay Safe With These Driving Tips

1. Map Out Your Route Ahead of Time

If you’re traveling out of state, it’s likely that you’ll be unfamiliar with the roads, speed limit, and local laws unless it’s somewhere you frequently visit. If you’re visiting family or friends this holiday season who live elsewhere, be sure to map your route out ahead of time to account for road closures, expected weather conditions, as well as gas stations, and rest stops. Even if you’re traveling a short distance, unexpected road closures and detours can put you in a risky situation. Google these things ahead of time so you can plan properly. Oftentimes, drivers who run into these unexpected delays may try to make up time on the road, which can tragically lead to motor vehicle accidents and serious injuries. 

2. Avoid Distractions

Drivers usually only think of distractions as things like cell phone use, however, they can include much more than that. Cognitive distractions can come in all forms, such as using your GPS, phoning your relatives, changing the radio station, and talking to your kids or other passengers. If you’re traveling, it’s recommended that you set some ground rules for everyone in the car. Give your children headphones or an iPad to help keep them distracted and settle on a radio station before you back out of your driveway. 

By making these simple adjustments, you can help reduce cognitive distractions that could otherwise put you and your family at risk of an auto accident. 

3. Stay Calm

While the holiday season is meant to be fun and festive, it’s not without its fair share of aggravation. Trying to meet deadlines and getting cut off in traffic by other drivers can easily cause stress, which could lead to road rage. If you start to feel anxious on your holiday drive, remember to take some deep breaths. 

4. Make Sure Your Car is in Good Shape

Before you leave your house, make sure to inspect your vehicle to ensure that it’s in good condition. This means topping off your oil, windshield wiper fluid, and transmission fluid. You should also always start your travels off with a full tank of gas; you never know when you’ll hit traffic or an unexpected delay. 

In addition to topping these things off, make sure to bring items that can help you in the event of an emergency. Winter driving safety kits should include kitty litter to help you get out of snow or icy conditions, as well as blankets to keep everyone warm, batteries, food, water, road flares, and a flashlight. These items can help keep you and your loved ones safe if you have to wait for a tow truck on the side of the road. 

Contact a Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in Pennsylvania

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Marrone Law Firm, LLC represent clients injured because of car accidents in Philadelphia, Center City, University City, and throughout Pennsylvania. Call 215-607-2626 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 200 S. Broad St., Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19102.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.