With the holiday season in full swing, people will be traveling, above all else. As a matter of fact, the United States sees a drastic spike in car accidents around every major US holiday. This is largely due to the sheer amount of people on the roads: the AAA estimates that 88.7% of people traveling for Thanksgiving will do so in their car, as an example.
The winter holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas, can pose even more of a challenge for drivers. First, nighttime driving is always a risk, and night arrives earlier and earlier as we enter winter. Secondly, the cold weather can lead to ice and snow, which are incredibly dangerous. The Federal Highway Administration purports that nearly a quarter of car accidents happen on snowy, slushy, or icy roads. With the first frost hitting Columbia and other parts of Missouri, icy roads may quickly become a factor in everyday driving.
Car accidents can complete rewrite your future, and a devastating amount of them result in a fatality. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, you should call a car accident lawyer immediately. This holiday season, however, we should all focus on using a few safety tips to minimize the number of accidents that occur.
Be Vigilant While Driving
Although it might seem like a no-brainer, vigilance is key when driving in poor conditions. It’s one surefire way to stay safe on the roads this winter. Not only should you be extremely alert of the road, but you should also drive with more consideration in general. Most importantly, slow down in wintery weather. It’s very common for car accidents to be instigated because of distracted driving and speeding, so do your part to prevent that.
Prepare Your Vehicle for Cold Weather
Just as the changing of seasons might affect your body, your car needs extra attention once it gets cold. For example, your tires are of dire importance and will need to be checked. We recommend filling up your tires with air until they reach the recommended tire pressure, as the cold weather has most likely dropped the pressure. Similarly, it might be time to replace your tires if you plan on driving through snow and sleet. Your lights and windshield wipers should also be inspected and replaced (if need be). They’re the frontline of helping you drive through rain and snow.
Plan Longer Trips in Advance
Whether you’re driving an hour away or halfway across the county, being meticulous with your road trip planning could save you and your family your lives. Check the weather and traffic conditions before setting out and identify alternative routes in the event that something is shut down. You may even want to change your departure time, if that means avoiding a large storm. It might seem like you’re getting to your destination sooner but putting yourself through heavy snow or sleet if simply not worth the danger.
Stock up Your Car with Supplies
If you get stuck out in the cold during the winter, it could be a matter of life and death. Luckily, there are a few items you can easily store in your car that can aid you or others in need if their car is damaged or shuts down:
- A blanket
- A shovel, brush, or ice scraper
- A cellphone charger
- Jumper cables
- A flashlight
- Dried food and bottled water
Call the Law Office of Chris Miller for Your Car Accident
While all these tips can help you prepare and prevent a car accident this coming winter, you’ll still need to be prepared when it does. If you’ve suffered an injury because of a car accident, you could be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. If you’re looking to file, call the Law Office of Chris Miller. Our team of legal experts have years of experience to help you get the settlement you deserve.