The holiday season is upon us once again and in many parts of the country that means winter driving conditions and holiday parties and get togethers where alcohol consumption is common. These two situations can contribute to dangerous roadways so it’s a good idea to be aware of the challenges they present and to be ready for any that come up on the road!
Common Holiday Traffic Threats And How To Avoid Them
There is so much holiday traffic this time of year, people on vacation from work and school, traveling to be with family, traveling to and from shopping and parties, there’s a lot going on this season. Being prepared for the extra traffic and weather conditions is a must. Knowing what to be ready for is a good start. Some of these things you can be ready for yourself, such as keeping your car safe for winter and keeping yourself from driving while intoxicated. Addressing these things keep you and others safe while on the road.
Don’t Drink And Drive
One of the biggest concerns during the holidays are the number of people driving intoxicated. Honestly, the best way to avoid this, and to avoid having your holiday totally ruined by a DUI is to simply not drive at all if you have had any alcoholic beverages. It is dangerous at any time of the year, but possible winter road conditions make it even more so during this time. If you are going to have a drink or two anyway, please do it responsibly and plan to keep your blood alcohol as low as possible by eating while you drink, as well as limiting the number of drinks you have.
Be Prepared
While not driving at all if you have been drinking is the best policy, moderating your holiday drinking will help you keep aware of your driving and help you to steer clear of DUIs.
Another way to stay safe on the roads is by making sure your automobile itself is ready. You always need to have a snow and ice scraper to always be able to keep your windows completely clear of ice and snow. You should keep your gas tank over half full in the event you run off a road or get stuck in weather related traffic, you will want to be able to stay warm until help arrives. Your windshield wipers need to work well during snowstorms, and you should have tires with plenty of tread for wet and icy roads. If you live in an area with a lot of snowfall or sub zero temperatures, snow tires are a must. Make sure they are on and ready to go before the snow and slush piles up. If you are planning on traveling always check the weather report to be prepared for any storms or conditions you may encounter. If severe wintry conditions are present, consider just staying home for the duration.
What To Do When You Are Involved In An Accident
A car accident can ruin holiday plans for everyone. Using good judgement is the key here. In the event you are involved in any kind of accident, know what to do right away. If you are able, turn on emergency lights immediately. Check yourself and passengers for injuries. If another vehicle was involved, check on those drivers and passengers as well. Then make emergency response calls. Keep lights on so the accident is as well lit as possible. It’s best to not discuss the accident at the scene, and do not leave until police tell you to go. You can then call your insurance company if there were damages to your car. If there were any injuries or tickets you should know that a traffic citation lawyer at Springfield Traffic Tickets in Springfield, MO can help you if you have need of a traffic lawyer for traffic incidents in the Springfield area.
