Many Florida and Hollywood residents will be traveling in the next week to see family and friends for Thanksgiving. If you’re one of them, make sure you take these steps to stay safe:
1) Plan your route carefully.
Driving around lost can mean frustrations, which can lead to driving mistakes. Encountering bad traffic can also lead to aggressive driving or just upset and avoidable driving errors. Take a look at traffic conditions, roadwork, weather, and any other possible obstructions on your route. Print out alternative routes in case you need them and print out a map or program your route into your GPS so you can get to your destination safely.
2) Consider leaving the driving to someone else.
Taking a train or bus is statistically safer and can help you avoid some of the stress of the holidays. If you decide to drive, at least consider driving with family and friends, who can help you with the driving and can help you by changing the music or by reading a map as needed.
3) Schedule your trip wisely.
Make sure you leave on a day when you can get plenty of sleep the day before. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination and schedule in breaks and rest. Rushing to get to your destination can be stressful and can lead to mistakes. Giving yourself extra time reduces some of the pressure and lets you focus on safety.
4) Get your car tuned up.
Make sure your car is ready for the drive, especially if you’ll be covering larger distances. If you’ll be driving somewhere with snow or ice, make sure you get winter tires, antifreeze, and windshield wiper fluid designed for freezing temperatures. Not winterizing your car if you’ll be driving in winter weather can greatly increase your chances of an accident. If your friends and family live somewhere where wintry conditions are common and you’re not used to driving in those conditions, consider leaving the driving to someone else. Dealing with ice and snow on the roads can be very dangerous and can easily lead to a crash if you’re not familiar with those types of conditions.
5) Bring everything you need for a safe trip.
Make sure you have water, snacks, and a first aid kit. Bring your insurance information, contact information, and sunglasses to reduce the glare of the sun. Pack carefully and make sure you have everything you need within easy reach. Let someone know your route and when you’ll be arriving so someone is expecting you.
6) Minimize driving dangers.
Avoid drinking the night before your trip or staying up late. Once you’re in the car, do everything possible to reduce distractions. Shut off your mobile devices, for example, and program a long playlist to listen to so you don’t have to change the music.
If you’re in a car crash in Hollywood or anywhere in South Florida during the Thanksgiving holiday, contact Flaxman Law Group. Our phone lines are staffed around the clock, even on the holiday weekend, so you can always reach someone to help you when you need assistance.