Each year, millions of Americans take to the roads for the holiday travel season. While many take advantage of the time off work to spend this time of year with loved ones, plans may be altered this year due to the health risks associated with large gatherings amidst the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released guidelines for lower-risk holiday celebrations and small gatherings. As such, there are still surely going to be some families traveling this holiday season, and we would like to offer some tips to help you and your family stay safe on the road while traveling long distances.
Prep Your Vehicle
Pro tip: safe driving starts before you even get on the road! If you know that you have a long-distance trip in the near future, you should always take care of preventative car maintenance and ensure that everything is operating as it should. Specifically, make sure to double-check your:
- Fluid levels, including oil, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid
- Hoses
- Belts
- Brakes and brake pads
- Blinkers
- Radiator
- Car battery
Plan Your Route
GPS can be a life-saver when you don’t know exactly how to get to your destination. Make sure you have directions pulled up and inserted in your map so that you aren’t having to fumble with it while you’re driving.
Even if you are familiar with the route that you are headed on, you should check to see if what the weather conditions will be like or if there are any accidents or construction on the roads you plan on using. If needed, plan an alternative route that has safer conditions and less traffic and hazards.
Keep Weather Conditions in Mind
It’s no surprise that adverse weather conditions can increase the risk of a motor vehicle accident. Data from the Federal Highway Administration reveals that around 21% of all vehicle accidents are weather-related, with 70% of these crashes occurring on wet pavement and 46% occurring during rainfall.
It’s important for all motorists to keep weather conditions in mind and adjust their driving behaviors accordingly, including:
- Decreasing their speed
- Increasing their buffer
- Using headlights
- Knowing how to handle a skid
From all of us at Politis & Matovina, we hope that you and your family have a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season this year, and cheers to the New Year that is almost here!
If you would like to learn more about the legal services we offer at Politis & Matovina, please don’t hesitate to reach out at (386) 333-6613 to speak with our Daytona Beach legal team for free today!