The holiday season can result in a rush of commotion, and the roads are no different. As we near closer to December and the holiday season, the streets become filled with hurried drivers trying to make it to family get-togethers and last-minute holiday shopping. To avoid having your celebrations ruined with a potential accident or collision, follow these simple tips for staying safe on the road during the holiday season.
Road Trip Smart
During this time you may find yourself packing up the car and hitting the road to visit relatives out of town. Road trips can be stressful enough, and the traffic that comes along with the trip can cause potential trouble. Make sure you plan your trip accordingly. Do research on high traffic times and try to plan your car ride during an optimal time. Bumper to bumper traffic can lead to a higher possibility of fender benders and freeway accidents. Additionally, be sure to pay attention to the weather conditions before your trip. If you are heading to a destination that is expecting snow or heavy rain, leave early or delay your trip. According to SafeWinterRoads.org, “Over 1,300 people are killed and more than 116,800 people are injured in vehicle crashes on snowy, slushy or icy pavement annually.” Stay safe and avoid driving under these conditions if possible. You can learn more about tips for driving in the snow here.
Parking Lot Problems
This is the busiest time of year for holiday shopping, so naturally, malls and popular shopping centers will be packed full of holiday shoppers all month. While completing your holiday shopping, be extra aware of your surroundings. With increased amounts of shoppers, finding a parking spot may be difficult. If possible, park further away from the store to avoid the heavy flow of drivers passing by. Last minutes shoppers in a rush may not be paying attention while moving to and from their cars. Pay attention to pedestrians while parking and maintain a low and appropriate speed while searching for a spot. To lower your chance of a potential accident, avoid fighting with other drivers for a parking spot and be patient when searching for a space among the crowds.
Avoid Aggressive Drivers
The holidays should be a cheerful and joyful time, but that is not always the case with aggressive drivers. If you find yourself struggling with aggressive drivers, remain calm. Do not engage with other angry drivers on the road. Unless you are alerting another driver of danger, avoid honking, high beams or other gestures that could be misinterpreted by the other driver. Tensions can be high on the road during this time of year, set a good example for other drivers on the road. Keep a safe speed even when others are not and avoid the consequences that come along with becoming an aggressive driver yourself. You can read more about dealing with aggressive drivers in our previous blog post here.
Don’t let the madness of the holidays put you at risk for a potential automobile accident this winter. Following these quick and simple tips can help to lower your chance of being involved in an accident or altercation on the road. If you or a loved one has been the victim of an auto accident, our expert Santa Clarita auto accident attorneys are here to help. Call us at 800.676.5295 or contact us to schedule a meeting to discuss what options you may have.
