The holiday season extends beyond delightful meals and quality family moments. For numerous individuals, reaching those enjoyable gatherings involves traveling. Depending on the region of the country, various challenges can complicate safe driving. Throughout this season, factors such as weather conditions, reduced daylight, and navigating unfamiliar territories all present risks for road travelers. Here are a few tips holiday driving tips to help keep your family safe during the holiday season.
General Safety Tips
Refrain from consuming alcohol and operating a vehicle. If there's drinking involved in your holiday gathering, designate a driver who will abstain from alcohol.
Ensure your vehicle is in good condition for winter driving by properly maintaining it. Plan your route ahead of time, taking into account potential weather conditions.
Prioritize safety by buckling up yourself and ensuring passengers are properly restrained with seat belts or safety seats. Combat fatigue by getting sufficient rest before driving, taking breaks, and sharing driving responsibilities if possible.
Prepare for emergencies by having a charged cell phone with emergency roadside assistance contacts. Avoid distractions by refraining from texting while driving and minimizing cell phone use. If necessary, use a hands-free device.
Maintain a safe following distance and allow aggressive drivers to pass rather than competing with them. Adhere to speed limits and drive according to road conditions, allowing ample time for your journey to avoid rushing.
Stay calm while driving; if stressed, take deep breaths to remain composed. Avoid road rage, as it compromises your safety and that of others on the road.
Child Passenger Safety Tips
Motor vehicle accidents remain a prominent cause of child fatalities, but you can play a crucial role in ensuring their safety by consistently and correctly securing them. Safeguard yourself and your children during the holiday season to prevent injuries.
Utilize age- and size-appropriate car seats, booster seats, and seat belts to decrease the risk of severe injuries or fatalities in a car crash by as much as 80 percent. Ensure optimal safety by using car seats and booster seats correctly, and educate yourself on common mistakes to avoid.
Avoid placing bulky or puffy coats underneath a car seat harness, as they hinder proper tightening. A loose harness poses dangers, including serious injuries or ejection during a crash. Instead, secure the harness correctly first and then cover the buckled child with a coat or blanket to maintain warmth without compromising safety. Additional information can be found on the Winter Car Seat Safety Tips webpage on the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) website for parents.
Adhere to the guideline that children aged 12 and under should be appropriately secured in the back seat of the vehicle. Lead by example and consistently use a seat belt yourself.
From everyone at SWS Accident & Injury Lawyers we wish you a Merry Christmas and happy holiday season!
