5 Tips to Have a Safe Holiday Season
The holidays are one of the best times of the year. However, with all the parties, events, and celebrating with family and friends it can also be one of the busiest times. If you plan on hitting the road this holiday, there is a lot to consider with winter weather, and vacation upon us.
Here are 5 tips to having a safe holiday season.
- Get Your Car Serviced
Make sure your car is winter-ready and up to date before hitting the road for the holidays. Checking the status of your tires, oil, headlights, brake lights, and brakes before the holidays is important to make sure they are in top shape for the coming season. Making an appointment as soon as possible decreases the amount you will be driving dangerously in winter weather. What better time to service your vehicle than before the holidays and before the harsh Canadian winters truly begin?
- Give Yourself Lots of Time
The holidays are meant to be a relaxing time to enjoy a break and spend time with family and friends. Being pressed for time and rushing is extremely stressful and can easily be avoided. Plan to give yourself extra time on the road to reduce the pressure and stress of rushing. This means taking the extra time to plan your route, and giving yourself 5-10 minutes of breathing room, allows stress and rushing to be lifted even if unexpected events take place, such as traffic, construction, or an accident.
- Assign a Designated Driver
If your holiday celebrations include parties and alcohol, always assign a designated driver. A designated driver should avoid liquor altogether. You should never wait until the party to decide a designated driver as by that point, guests may not be as cautious about the idea of driving under the influence. If you have relied on somebody else to drive you home, and you suspect they have been drinking, do not get into a car with them. Explore your other options such as staying the night, calling a cab, or asking a friend or family member to pick you up.
- Pick Your Drive Time
Weekend nights and holiday nights such as Christmas or New Years are the most common nights to have drunk and irresponsible drivers on the roads. If you have the choice to avoid rush hours and prime times for intoxicated driving, do so. Plan to drive in daylight as much as possible. Similarly, beware of driving in dangerous weather. When dangerous winter winds and snowfalls make visibility sparce, or slush and ice make driving conditions sleek, avoid driving until safer road conditions emerge.
- Report Suspicious Behaviour
It is in your own hands to decrease the extent of your dangerous driving, but others may not be so responsible. If you notice reckless, possible intoxicated driving, do not hesitate to report the driver. Take note of the make and model of the car, and the license plate if possible. Stopping a drunk driver on the road protects yourself and others who may cross paths with the driver. If you see any suspicious behaviour, report it!
CLG Injury Law has over 35 years’ experience representing Atlantic Canadians who have suffered injuries following a motor vehicle accident. For more articles and safety tips, go to https://cantiniinjurylaw.ca/blog/ or subscribe to our newsletter.
