Tips for Safe Holiday Travel on Busy Roads
Holiday traffic is a leading cause of the increase of accidents in the winter months, as more people travel to visit family. The rate of traffic significantly increases from Thanksgiving weekend to the completion of the New Year’s holiday. When you add in winter conditions and the fact that it gets darker earlier, the roads can be pretty dangerous during this time.
5 Tips for Safer Holiday Travel
Look forward to your holiday celebrations and travel with these safety tips to keep you and your family safe:
Create a Plan Ahead of Time
Before hitting the road, create a plan ahead of time. Plan your route, including any stops that you might make on the way. Be sure to include plenty of time to get to your destination, while still accounting for rest stops along the way. Then, before you leave, be sure to check the weather and make any route changes as necessary.
Drop Your Vehicle Off for Maintenance
Winter conditions can be harsh on your vehicle, especially if it hasn’t received the latest maintenance. Before heading out on your holiday travels this year, schedule your preventative maintenance appointment. This ensures that your vehicle is in good working condition and alerts you to any things that may need to be repaired.
Consider Alternative Driving Times
The day before Thanksgiving is the busiest day on the road. It also is the biggest drinking day of the year, which can make it even more dangerous. Consider changing the dates of your travel plans, and leave a day earlier or later to beat the traffic. You might even have Thanksgiving dinner at home and then plan to travel the next day.
Pack an Emergency Kit
If you do find yourself stranded on the side of the road, an emergency kit will come in handy to keep you safe. Include things like a first aid kit, bottles of water, a change of clothing, and an extra phone battery. Be sure you have your vehicle registration and insurance information before leaving too.
Know What to Do If You’re in an Accident
Even following these safety tips and driving defensively can’t prevent all car accidents. It’s also important to know what to do if you’re involved in an accident. The steps you take are important in ensuring your safety, while also protecting your legal rights.
The first thing to do following an accident is to receive medical care. Even if you feel fine, it’s best to be checked out by a medical professional. Then, report the car accident to the police. You’ll also want to notify your insurance company as soon as possible.
From here, you may consider your legal options. If another driver is negligent, which may include driving under the influence, they may be responsible for your damages. The damages from a car accident can be costly, especially when you consider your medical bills and property damages. A car accident lawyer can help you evaluate the details of your case, determining who’s responsible for the accident, including who is liable for the costs.
Contact a Gloucester County Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Auto Accident Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to an accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Gelman Law represent clients injured because of an accident in Cherry Hill, Camden County, Burlington County, Gloucester County, and throughout New Jersey. Call (856) 861-4236 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 850 Rt 70 West Cherry Hill, NJ 08002.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
