Nine-to-five jobs consume a big chunk of our time. Hardly do people get time to spend with their friends or family.
It’s only during the vacation season that Americans get time to reconnect with their loved ones. Amidst the festive cheer and bustling activities, many find themselves on the road more frequently—whether visiting family or attending holiday parties.
A recent survey has found that a quarter of Americans plan to go on a holiday within the U.S. in 2024. Nearly 63% will travel by car. The falling price of gas might be contributing to the road trip fever.
Traveling by road is fun, but it’s also dangerous. The NSC predicts that 375 Americans might die on roads during the New Year’s holiday period. This prediction can stress anyone who’s been planning a road trip during the holidays.
Adopting certain strategies, however, can help you make the most of this special time and reach your destinations safely. Here are a few things you must do to ensure your safety on the road:
#1 Get Your Vehicle Road-Ready
It’s never a good idea to set out on a road trip before checking if the vehicle is in top shape to handle holiday travel. Inspect each and everything properly.
All the essential fluids— coolant, engine oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid, and transmission fluid—should be at optimal levels. Top them off if they are low.
Your car’s headlights should be working fine. Driving with headlights that don’t light up can be dangerous. Data from NSC shows that 50% of road deaths occur at night. You don’t want to be another statistic. Take your car to a mechanic if your headlights aren’t working. They will detect the issue and fix it.
Check windshield wipers. They should be in good condition to handle rain, snow, or ice. Test your battery and charging system. Cold weather can reduce battery efficiency.
#2 Obey the Speed Limit
Speeding is tempting, but it’s not worth the risk. Stick to the speed limits you come across while driving. They are there for a reason—to keep you safe from accidents.
Those limits are set based on road conditions, traffic patterns, as well as safety considerations. Driving at or below the set speed will allow you to enjoy control over your vehicle.
Excessive speed lowers reaction time and stopping distance, particularly in poor weather or heavy traffic. On icy or wet roads, even the specified speed limit might be too fast. Driving below the specified speed limit will be a safer bet.
In 2023, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported three fatal car crashes during the holiday weekend. A preliminary report from Arkansas State Police revealed that one of those was a four-vehicle wreck on Interstate 555.
Three Nissans, including the 2007 Nissan Altima, and an Infiniti QX80 were involved in the crash. Christopher David Eck, the driver of the 2007 Nissan Altima, died at the scene. The road conditions were described as wet by the authorities when the crash occurred.
Had these four drivers exercised caution, they wouldn’t have lost control of their vehicles and crashed into each other. Think for a while—what would you do if you were involved in the crash in, say, Rogers in Arkansas? You could easily be blamed for the accident. That’s where a car accident lawyer in Rogers, Arkansas, can help.
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident and seeking justice isn’t easy. An experienced car accident lawyer, Keith Law Group explains, will walk you through the intricate process of filing a claim following the crash. Just make sure you obtain the police report from the officer. That will help your lawyer build a solid case, which will help earn fair compensation.
#3 Avoid Driving Under the Influence
Holiday parties and gatherings involve alcohol. Don’t drink and drive.
Approximately 37 Americans die in drunk-driving crashes every day in the U.S. That’s 1 person in every 39 minutes. In 2022 alone, 13,524 died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic accidents. All these deaths were preventable.
Avoid drinking altogether if you intend to drive the car all by yourself. But if you decide to drink, designate a sober driver. Or, stay overnight and leave the next day when you are sober. Remember, the consequences of impaired driving extend beyond legal penalties—they can result in severe injuries or fatalities.
#4 Use Cruise Control Wisely
On long highway drives, use cruise control. It can help maintain a steady speed, reducing fatigue. Use it wisely, however. Avoid engaging cruise control in adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, or ice. Your ability to react promptly to slippery surfaces will be reduced.
Refrain from using cruise control in heavy traffic or on uneven roads where frequent speed adjustments are needed. Be prepared to manually control your vehicle at any time. If conditions change suddenly or you need to make quick maneuvers, deactivate cruise control immediately.
On the whole, driving during holidays doesn’t have to be stressful. Your journey can be safer and more enjoyable if you follow these tips. The goal is not just to reach your destination but to do so safely and stress-free—remember that. So, take your time, stay alert, and cherish the moments along the way.