Holidays mean different things to different people: time with friends or family, a little vacation out of town, or even just simply relaxing and having some time off work. Whatever your way of enjoying holidays, it’s always good to be on top of the safety aspects so you can truly relax and enjoy yourself.
Unfortunately, holidays often come with some increased risks, especially when it comes to traveling on the roads. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to ensure that your holidays are enjoyable, relaxing, and above all else, safe. Read on for our top safety tips for disabled drivers during the holidays.
What holiday has the most car accidents?
No matter how good a driver you are, car accidents can be completely unavoidable. No one wants to end up in a crash, especially around the holidays – but these are often peak times for car accidents. There are a few reasons for this: increased traffic on the roads; more aggressive driving because people want to get to where they’re going ASAP; more parties (meaning more alcohol consumption that could impair driving).
The holiday doesn’t quite matter in terms of the increase in car accidents, but there are some dates that correlate heavily with an increased number of crashes on the road. While many people may think that Christmastime is the most dangerous time on the road, due to the volatile road conditions in many places, higher rates of car accidents are actually associated with:
- Fourth of July
- Memorial Day weekend
- Labor Day weekend
Holiday driving safety tips
As mentioned above, avoiding a car accident can be hard because of the unpredictability of weather, road conditions, and other drivers. That being said, you don’t have to completely avoid driving over the holidays to keep your risk down. There are plenty of things you can do to avoid unwanted crashes.
The first thing you should do is keep your cool and drive in the safe way you normally would. Just because other drivers are aggressively speeding or cutting you off doesn’t mean that you have to join them! Even if you’re in a rush, drive the same way you would on a typical commute to work or a Sunday afternoon. This can help keep you centered behind the wheel.
Other holiday driving safety tips include…
1. Keep on top of car maintenance
If you’re making a long trip over the holidays – perhaps you have to go out of town, or even out of state – you’ll want to make sure that all your car maintenance is up to par. You don’t want to be stuck on the side of the highway because you broke down on your way to your destination! Car breakdowns are dangerous and can lead to accidents, so making sure that your car is in tip-top travel shape can help to keep you safe out on the road.
2. Don’t rush
There’s no need to rush on the road at any time, particularly during the holidays. While you may be busy and feeling pressed for time, speeding and impatience on the road can lead to mistakes. You want to keep your cool, and you can only do that if you’re not in a rush.
3. Be prepared for any unforeseen issues
Unforeseen traffic issues could include road closures, other accidents that block traffic, and route detours you may have to take. You may also experience a flat tire or get lost. Think about everything that could go wrong and make sure that you’re prepared for it. If it’s cold outside, pack an emergency kit that has a warm blanket or other necessities in it just in case. Being prepared will help you stay safe and find a solution to any problem. And remember to have your up-to-date disabled parking permit with you at all times!
4. Always plan a route
It’s a great idea to plan out your route out before you get on the road. This helps to alleviate any anxiety about getting lost, as well as any increased risk of an accident if you have to check your GPS while driving. Knowing exactly where you’re going before you begin your travels will help you ensure you arrive there safely.
5. Avoid alcohol
It likely doesn’t need to be said, but just a reminder: even having one or two drinks and getting behind the wheel should be avoided. Drunk driving increases heavily during the holidays, and even if you think you’re okay to drive, it’s better not to risk it. Arrange a driver to take you if you plan to drink, or skip the alcoholic beverages altogether.
Driving safe over the holidays doesn’t have to be difficult as long as you plan for issues, ensure your car is in good shape, and pack your patience with you when you get on the road.