With the cold weather upon us and dusk coming earlier and earlier, it is advisable to proceed with an extra level of caution when getting behind the wheel. During the holiday season, this advice is especially worth heeding; unfortunately, the holidays carry with them a high number of motor vehicle accidents, as more people are on the road traveling to see their loved ones and drinking to celebrate. Luckily, you can keep yourself and your family safe by following some holiday driving safety tips.

The Do's and Don'ts of Holiday Driving

1.Make Sure to Plan Ahead

Planning ahead can go a long way toward safety for yourself and your loved ones. Make sure to check the weather and road conditions before you leave; doing so will give you a chance to put on snow chains, if needed, or avoid certain routes. Furthermore, make sure that your vehicle is kept in good condition. There is no better time than now to get your vehicle inspected, transmission and all.

2.Don't Drive Under the Influence

Just as with any other time of the year, it is never acceptable to drive while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. In the United States, many holiday celebrations, events, and get-togethers go hand in hand with drinking. Thus, it is best to have a designated driver who will refrain from drinking and/or taking drugs during that event. This will ensure that you and your loved ones will have a safe way to get home.

3.Avoid Fatigued Driving

With nighttime coming earlier every day, many people who commute for work may find themselves tired when driving home or while making an extra stop to run a holiday-related errand. If you are feeling drowsy or tired, it is best to refrain from driving. Any condition in which your full attention cannot be given to the road is a dangerous one because the result may be a serious, even fatal, accident.

4.Refrain from Distracted Driving

Similar to fatigued driving, distracted driving can and does have terrible consequences. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), taking your eyes off the road for even five seconds, such as to send a text, while driving at 55 miles per hour is the same as “driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.”

Distracted driving also includes eating while driving, putting on makeup, fiddling around with the radio/heating controls, using your phone to change the music, and the like.

5.Drive Defensively

As drivers ed taught us from the beginning, defensive driving is the safest form of driving. Stay alert and watch out for others on the road. Do your best not to engage in road rage and let aggressive drivers pass. As mentioned, erring on the side of caution is always the best course of action.

About Our Firm

Founded in Providence in 1974, Karns & Kerrison is dedicated to helping Rhode Island residents injured by negligent parties. We have won our clients $250 million and counting for the harm done to them. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car, truck, Uber/Lyft, or other accident on the road, we want to help you navigate this difficult time.

Fill out an online form or call (888) 281-3100 to talk to a lawyer at Karns & Kerrison.