Drive Safely This Holiday Season (Consider These 5 Tips)
In a 2019 study, the North Carolina Department of Transportation reported over 26,000 car crashes and 122 fatalities in the month of December. Due to a new surge of COVID-19 this year, more people will be cancelling flights and taking to the road for short and long-distance trips. Unfortunately, that means the number of accidents will increase. Staying safe on the road is now more important than ever.
More than likely, travelers will be doing some driving after arriving at their destination as well. Alcohol-related driving accidents increase during the holidays, and during this time of the year 40% of highway deaths are due to intoxication.
As you prepare to kick off your Christmas and New Year celebrations, here are some tips to keep in mind:
If you’re drinking, stay in or call an Uber. While this sounds like an easy thing to remember, intoxicated individuals may not make the same decisions as sober individuals. Try to make a plan before you start drinking, and make sure there is at least 1 sober person in your group of friends and family members. They should be able to stop you from getting behind the wheel and making a poor decision. Most holiday accidents occur due to drinking while driving, so this should be your top priority.
Wear your seat belt at all times. Believe it or not, 38% of accidents during the holidays involve someone who was not wearing their seat belt. It’s easy to get distracted when we’re having a good time, but safety should always come first. Make sure you and everyone else in the car are belted in before turning on the ignition. It only takes a few seconds, and it’s a decision that will save lives.
Take breaks during long trips. If you’re traveling out of state, allow yourself plenty of time and don’t forget to take breaks. If you find yourself getting sleepy on the road, pull over at a rest stop or motel. You could also let another licensed driver get behind the wheel while you take a pause. Remember: arriving late is better than causing an accident that could harm yourself and others.
Know what the weather will be like. Wintry conditions should always be expected at this time of the year. Before taking to the road, take a few minutes to check the weather along your route. This way, you can prepare your vehicle in advance and make adjustments to your itinerary.
Check your mirrors. If your car is loaded up with gifts, platters of food and guests, it may be tricky to see out of your rearview mirror. Before driving, make some space to clear these areas. You don’t want to attempt this while you’re driving, and at that point it could already be too late. When switching lanes, merging and interacting with other vehicles, visibility is a necessity.
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