Today is one of the biggest travel days of the year, and with a huge storm system running down the East Coast, it stands to be one of the more dangerous travel days of the past several years. Here are some tips to make sure you have a safe trip, if you’re the one traveling this year.
Put down the cell phone. It should be so obvious as to be unnecessary to say, but many people on the roads still drive while either talking or texting. Don’t be one of those distracted drivers who ends up in the median because you couldn’t wait until the next rest stop to take a call or send a text.
Delegate your directions! If you’re behind the wheel you shouldn’t be the navigator as well. It’s likely your cell phone has a GPS system, or you have a separate one in your car. Use it to figure out how to get where you’re going. Program in the address before you leave, and let it tell you how to get there.
Delegate your trip planning. Unless Grandma’s house is just down the road, you will likely have to stop at least once on your way to Thanksgiving dinner. Plan any stops ahead of time, and stick to that plan as close as you can. If you do have to stop somewhere in between your scheduled leave that decision up to the person in the passenger seat. Don’t start scanning the roads or maps yourself.
Take it as slow as you need to. We all want to get where we’re going as quickly as we can in order to spend more time with family and friends. If there are bad road conditions, getting there fast may mean not getting there at all. So be aware of the conditions of the road you’re on, and of the drivers around you. Slow down and take your time. You may arrive a little later than you intended, but you will get there.
Please make sure you’re paying careful attention to the conditions and the driver around you to ensure you get to your destination safely. If you are in an accident, be careful about managing the situation and understand that tensions are running high all around. Be courteous and respectful, and recognize that yours aren’t the only plans that were just ruined.
If you are injured in an accident over Thanksgiving weekend, please contact us and let us know the details. We may be able to assist you in gaining the recovery you deserve.
Wooten Kimbrough, P.A. Orlando Auto Accident Attorneys