Whether it’s a long weekend or a week-long winter vacation, holiday travel gives you the opportunity to spend time with family. However, it also increases the opportunity for accidents, especially if weather or traffic conditions are not favorable. Many people fulfill holiday travel plans without incident, but it is important to be prepared for any untoward events that may occur. Here are some tips that may prevent such incidents or help you cope with them if they do arise.
1. Be Aware of Conditions Beforehand
Check the weather report when planning your trip and pack appropriately for expected weather conditions. Dressing in layers helps you prepare for possible variable conditions both inside and outside the car.
During the holidays, traffic often increases as many more people are on the road. Consider adjusting your travel plans to depart during times when traffic is likely to be less heavy, such as earlier in the morning or later in the day.
2. Plan Your Route in Advance
In addition to traffic density and weather, you should also take conditions such as road construction into consideration when planning your route. Research travel times so you have an accurate itinerary and can inform friends and family when to expect your arrival. You may have to consider alternate routes to avoid traffic or construction. This may mean longer travel times, so be sure you adjust your itinerary accordingly.
3. Have a Vehicle Check-up
You should perform any required maintenance or repairs to your vehicle before setting out on the road. This helps to prevent breakdowns in an unfamiliar area where you may not have access to the necessary repair facilities.
4. Be Prepared to Call for Help
Chances are that you never go anywhere without your cell phone anyway, but it doesn’t hurt to double-check that you have it. Make sure you have a charger so that it is powered up in case of emergency.
Know whom you can call for help in case of an emergency and have that information handy. In addition to storing it in your phone, you should also have a hard copy. Therefore, if your device does run down or get lost, you can still call for help once you locate another phone.
If you or a family member gets hurt due to an accident during holiday travel, a personal injury lawyer in Rapid City, SD, like from The Law Office of Clayborne, Loos & Sabers, LLP, can help you hold the responsible party to account. Contact a law office to schedule a consultation.