We are now in the midst of the festive and
ever-joyful Holiday season. Indeed, tens and thousands of people are expected
to go shopping, attend parties and important get-togethers, and basically spend
quality time with family members and friends. As we count down the days towards
holidays, one thing is for sure: more and more vehicles are likely to fill the
roads. In fact, the heightened traffic activity had already started since
Thanksgiving weekend, and in the following days up to this point, traffic
build-up has become commonplace.
In addition to the stress-inducing traffic
congestions, this season is also a time for traffic collisions. With unruly
drivers roaming the roads, as well as those who are driving while intoxicated
or distracted, accidents on the road this season are sure to increase in
number. Motorists, therefore, must ensure that they prevent themselves from
becoming statistics; suffering an injury is the last thing anyone would want to
experience in a rather joyous season.
If you are expected to drive more times than
usual this season, it is important that you put these important tips in mind:
·
Whether
you are going on a long trip or not this Holiday season, it is important that
you have your ride serviced to ensure that it is working properly. Go to a
licensed auto mechanic for a car tune-up as a preventive measure. Pay special
attention to the lights to see if they are working; tires if they are on the
correct condition and air pressure; car fluids if needed replenishment and
battery if it can still provide power.
·
If
you are going for a long drive with friends and/or family, make sure that you
obtained enough rest before the trip. You can’t afford to feel fatigue in the
first few kilometers. But if you feel fatigued in the middle of the trip, you
can switch places with someone in your party to substitute you on the driver’s seat.
·
When
going to parties, it is expected that you would be having a drink or two. Plan
ahead; make sure that you have a non-drinking designated driver to accompany
you going home. Otherwise, don’t drive at all going to the party.
·
If
you have children as passengers, make sure that they are properly restrained in
a federally-approved child restraint or booster seat.
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other drivers’ actions can throw your focus off your intention to drive safety,
which could potentially lead to an accident.
·
Don’t
get distracted—keep your phone off while driving. This will prevent you from
texting or even answering your cellphone while you are behind the wheel. If you
turned it on and you are expecting an important call or message, better pull
off the side of the road first before picking it up.
·
Make
sure that you carry out safe driving techniques. Maintain distance with the
vehicle in-front of you. Keep the posted speed limit in mind; slow down when
encountering a road hazard. Brake and accelerate at the right moments. More
importantly, stay patient; you’ll still get to your destination no matter what.
The roads may be too much for you this
season, but with these important safety tips in mind, you don’t only keep a
cool head while driving, but also avoid yourself from getting involved in a
potential car accident that would definitely ruin your holidays with your loved
ones. In case you or your loved one gets in a traffic accident this season, it
is extremely important to contact a Los Angeles
car accident lawyer immediately to assert for your rights and get
compensations for your losses.
May you have a safe and stress-free driving
this Holiday season!
