While traveling for the holidays can be exciting, it can also be dangerous. Not only can road conditions be very questionable in many places of the world during wintertime, but with more people filling up the roads than normal, there are even more chances for someone to do something that results in a car accident.
Luckily, with the right forethought, there are things you can do to help reduce your chances of being one of those people who gets stuck in a holiday car accident. To show you how this can be done, here are three ways to avoid a car accident during your holiday travels.
Be Prepared For Busy Roads
The very first thing you should know about holiday travel is that it’s going to be different from traveling during other times of the year. Because so many people travel over the holidays, AAA Exchange shares that you should automatically assume that the road you travel will be busier than they normally are. As a result, you should plan for your trip to take longer and to be stuck in more traffic than you’re used to.
By viewing your road travel plans in this light before you even leave home, you’ll be less likely to fall victim to things like road rage or general impatience, which are both things that can increase your chances of being in a car accident in the first place.
Consider Timing
Because the roads are going to be filled with more cars and might be covered in ice or snow, the time you choose to be on the road will be extra important.
According to News9.com, you should try to only be on the roads during daylight hours, as it will be easier for you to see and the temperatures are likely to be higher, which means less of a chance of ice and snow. Additionally, you should also try to time your drive so that you’re not driving in any big city areas or areas with a lot of traffic during rush hour times. The fewer cars on the road around you, the better off you’ll be for avoiding car accidents.
Never Drink And Drive
While everyone knows that they should never drink and drive, because many people indulge over the holidays, there are usually more drunk drivers on the road at this time.
To ensure that you’re not adding to the problem, the National Safety Council advises that you always have a designated driver if you’re planning on drinking over the holidays. And if you see another driver that you think might be drunk, make sure you give them plenty of space and contact the authorities as soon as it’s safe to do so.
If you want to do everything in your power to avoid a car accident this holiday season, consider implementing the tips mentioned above.
