How To Avoid Accidents On The Road During The Holidays

#AskJillianCarrington

The holidays offer an opportunity to spend time with friends and family. As people take to the roads to do their last-minute shopping or to attend holiday gatherings, staying safe and not putting other people at risk should be at the top of your holiday list of things to do. According to data released by Ontario officials, distracted and impaired driving are the primary causes of collisions and fatalities on roads throughout the province. Exercising caution, good judgment and following a few basic tips for safe holiday driving can keep you and your loved ways safe.

Prepare your car for the winter weather

The snow and ice associated with winter in Ontario make driving difficult under normal circumstances, but more cars on the road during the holidays can add to the dangers. It is important to prepare your vehicle for whatever road and weather conditions you might encounter with the following:

• Install winter tires on your vehicle to improve traction, stability and control on wet, icy and snow-covered roads. Studded tires offer even better traction on ice.
• Keep blankets, a shovel, salt or sand, an ice scraper, emergency flares and a flashlight in your vehicle in case you get stuck or your vehicle breaks down.
• Charge your cellphone before venturing out. You never know when you might have to call for a tow truck or emergency assistance when traveling.
• Make certain you clear snow and ice from all windows of your vehicle. Don’t rely on your defroster to do the job as you drive. While you’re at it, clear snow and ice off the roof of your car or SUV to prevent it from blowing off and hitting vehicles behind you.
• Keep your vehicle’s windshield washer reservoir topped off with fluid rated for winter temperatures.

Now that your vehicle is ready for holiday travel, make sure you fasten your seatbelt before putting pulling away.

Avoid distractions

Talking and texting on the cellphone are what most people think about whenever they are warned about the dangers of distracted driving, but there are many other distractions that can divert your attention long enough to cause an accident. Looking at your GPS or adjusting the station or volume on your car’s radio takes your eyes and your attention away from the road.

Snow and ice on the road make it difficult to stop in an emergency. The few seconds your eyes are diverted away from the road can make it impossible to stop in time to avoid colliding with another vehicle.

Slow down and don’t tailgate

Stopping distances and reaction times increase due to wintry weather conditions. There is a lot to get done during the holidays, but putting yourself and others at risk by speeding while driving is not the solution. Riding the bumper of the car in front of you will not get you to the store or market any sooner and will probably cause an accident.

Enjoy the festivities, but don’t drink and drive

Impaired driving is illegal and extremely dangerous. If you plan to drink at a holiday party or gathering, make arrangements in advance for a way to get home instead of driving yourself. Whether it’s a taxi or a designated driver, make travel arrangements in advance or plan to stay where you are for the night.

Personal injury lawyers when holiday accidents happen

The personal injury lawyers at Diamond & Diamondhave been successfully handling compensation claims for victims of accidents caused by the negligence and carelessness of other parties.If you are injured in a road accident this holiday seasoncontact our 24/7 injury hotline at 1-800-567-HURT or visit our website to speak to someone now about your claim. Consultations are free, and we have offices located throughout Ontario.