The end of the year is one of the most dangerous times to travel on Michigan roads. Heavy traffic, poor weather conditions, impatient and distracted drivers – conditions like these all add up to treacherous roads. But there are plenty of things you can do to try and protect yourself from a car accident during holiday travel.
Plan Your Trip
You may know exactly where you’re going and be familiar with the route, but you can be even more careful about how you get there. Do as much as you can to prep your vehicle and the people in it before you even turn on your car. Figure out the best time to leave so you can avoid heavier traffic and so you don’t find yourself rushing and speeding.
Map out your trip, get toll money ready, ensure that any children have snacks and diversions so they can keep themselves busy, have your GPS ready or a passenger riding shotgun to navigate for you. Make every effort to limit distractions before you go on your merry way.
Skip the Scenic Route
You may be in vacation mode and ready to take an easy, leisurely ride on the back roads to your holiday destination. Being distracted by holiday lights and decorations and reducing your hypervigilance while driving because you’re ready to relax is a dangerous combination.
Sticking to highways and clearly marked and lit roads will keep you safer. Plus, major routes are better maintained and more likely to be heavily patrolled by law enforcement. You don’t want to get lost or stranded.
Put Away the Distractions
Vow not to text and drive or do anything else on your phone while driving (because following your phone’s navigation system is distracting enough). If you must check your messages, pull over at a rest stop or exit so you can stop the vehicle instead of driving while distracted.
Take Breaks
If your trip is lengthy, plan to take breaks to get out of the vehicle, stretch, use the restroom, get some food, or switch drivers. Breaks will help keep you alert and will allow you to take a moment to de-stress, particularly if you’ve been frustrated with traffic or impatient drivers.
Drive Defensively
You can do everything right when you’re behind the wheel, but that doesn’t mean the people around you will be doing the same. Along with taking care to drive safely and following the laws of the road, drive defensively so you can be proactive.
Keep alert for weaving drivers who are potentially intoxicated, distracted, or falling asleep at the wheel. Stay out of the way of reckless, speeding drivers. Pull over if weather conditions are getting the best of you. Take an exit if a severe traffic jam is making you nervous about rear-end collisions.
Stay Safe During Holiday Travel
Just use common sense while driving. Make sure your vehicle is in good condition and has fuel. Don’t drive while intoxicated. Follow the speed limits and don’t tailgate. Have blankets and emergency gear should you get stuck or your vehicle breaks down or you do find yourself in a car accident.
If you are involved in a car crash, schedule a consultation with the Michigan car accident lawyers at Thurswell Law to discuss your situation. Get compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We do not charge any fees unless you collect. Call (248) 354-2222 today.
