The holiday season is by far the busiest time of the year to travel. Whether it’s by car, plane, or train, traffic will be increased as people go to and from their family’s homes. If you are planning to drive, whether it’s a short or long distance, there are some important traffic tips for you to take into consideration.
This article will explore methods you can use to keep your family safe on the road and to minimize risk for traffic accidents.
Car Maintenance
If you plan on doing a long road trip to get to your destination, it may be a good idea to get some maintenance done on your vehicle. You don’t want to find yourself stranded due to mechanical failure hours away from home. If you’re due for an oil change, or need some antifreeze, you should have your mechanic check it out. Also, make sure your tires are properly inflated; this can usually be done at any gas station that has an air pump. When it comes to tires, you’ll also want to make sure you have a spare that is available and in good working order.
When it comes to your car, it is also a good idea to check all of your paperwork before departing. This means double checking your registration, inspection, insurance, and license. If you end up getting in a car accident, or pulled over by the police, you will want to make sure everything is up to date and readily accessible.
Be Flexible with Travel Times
Encountering traffic is nearly inevitable when it comes to traveling during the holidays. In order to accommodate your plans, it may be wise to leave for your destination earlier than usual. This will allow you to either avoid traffic before it starts, or to provide you with a buffer so you can still arrive at your destination on time.
If you absolutely can’t stand traffic, you may want to consider taking a lesser traveled route. This can allow you to steer free of traffic but may add more time to the travel plans. This is something you’ll have to calculate based on how much time you’d prefer to spend driving vs. waiting in traffic.
Avoid Road Ragers
According to a study performed by The Trace, Florida had the highest number of violent road rage incidents between 2014 and 2016. As COVID has created higher tensions, people have begun feeling even more stressed, thus leading to even higher road rage incidents in the last two years.
If you are confronted by a road raging driver, try to avoid engaging with them. If you see someone is intentionally tailgating you or shouting obscenities, it is worth adding a few extra minutes to your trip to exit the highway and to stop sharing the road with them. If they continue following you, call law enforcement.
You never know who is behind the wheel when someone is exhibiting signs of road rage. It is wise to avoid them in the event they turn out to be someone who is not afraid of engaging in violence.
Take Breaks and Switch Drivers
If you are driving with another licensed passenger, it will be helpful in staying alert by switching off who’s behind the wheel every few hours. Taking a break both from driving and the road will help keep your mind alert and ward off any headaches or fatigue that may be creeping in.
If you are stopping at a rest area, make sure to stretch your legs and walk around for a few minutes. This is especially useful if you are stopping because you are experiencing fatigue.
Contact Jordan Law
If you’ve been involved in a car crash while traveling during the holidays, and you’d like to explore any legal remedies that may be available, contact Jordan Law for a consultation.