Tips For Staying Safe On The Roads During Holidays

For many Americans, the holidays represent a time to celebrate friendship and love. This often means taking to the highway and traveling to the homes of family or friends. With more people on the roads, the risk of a car accident increases.

You can protect yourself and those you love against car accident injuries by following safe driving tips from the Centers for Disease Control. If you do find yourself involved in an auto accident, reach out to Accident Agents for free legal and medical guidance on how to get the proper care and representation.

Safe Driving Tips for the Holidays

The CDC offers the following advice to stay safe on the roadways this holiday season:

  • Do not drive when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Thousands of Americans needlessly die over the holiday season. By refraining from drinking and driving and preventing loved ones from doing the same, you can decrease the risk of car accident injuries and death. Instead, call a taxi, use ride service or book a hotel.
  • Avoid distractions. Distracted driving includes paying attention to your cell phone, eating, or putting on makeup while driving. If you have to send a text or check your email, pull off to the side of the road to keep yourself and other drivers safe. According to the CDC, when you’re driving 55 miles per hour, glancing at a text is like keeping your eyes closed for the length of an entire football field.
  • Take a minute to check weather conditions. You may want to reconsider or reschedule your plans in case of unsafe driving conditions.

Safety Tips for Children

Car crashes are, unfortunately, a leading cause of death among young children. Keeping your children buckled up can help protect them from car accident injuries. Here are additional safe driving tips to follow during the holidays:

  • Use age and size-appropriate car seats. If your child has outgrown your car seat, it might be time to graduate to a booster seat.
  • Do you know how to use your car seat or booster correctly? Follow the manufacturer’s instructions typically packaged with the products when you buy them. If you have lost the original packaging, you might be able to find videos or instructions online.
  • Bulky coats make it difficult to properly secure a car seat harness. Loosening the harness can leave your child prone to car accident injuries. Warm up the car prior to the trip so that you can remove heavy coats and keep your child safe.
  • Place car seats in the back seat in order to give your child the maximum protection available.
  • Children ages 12 and under should also sit in the back seat and wear a safety belt.

You can also set a great example for your children by buckling up when you get behind the wheel.

Accident Agents is a case management company that provides guidance on car accident injuries in Tampa Bay. We aren’t insurance agents or lawyers or doctors, but you receive help in getting the medical care and legal help you may need following a car crash. Contact us for free service today!