Whether you and your family are heading over the river and through the woods to grandma’s house this season, or just down the South Carolina highway for a few days at a winter resort, a family holiday getaway is a great way to spend time bonding with your loved ones and celebrating the holiday season.
As much fun as a road trip can be, there are also dangers that come along with it. Fatigue from long hours on the road, unfamiliar surroundings, and bad weather can all play their part in causing a catastrophic road trip car accident. Thinking and planning ahead is the best way to prevent accidents and arrive safely at your holiday destination. However, if you are injured in an automobile accident at the hands of another driver, you should contact a personal injury attorney immediately.
Ways to Drive Safely During the Holidays
Have Your Vehicle Inspected and Serviced
Even if you have your vehicle serviced annually as recommended, you should have it done again before embarking on any long distance trip. Tires are especially important if you are going to be traveling when inclement weather will be a constant threat. Your mechanic should check the tread and the air pressure in them. Belts, hoses, windshield wipers, and brakes also need to be checked, and all fluids should be topped off. All of these components are essential to you getting to and from your winter destination safely.
Know Where You Are Going
Even if you know how to get where you are going to in South Carolina, it is advisable to make sure that you plan out your daily driving. Know what the total mileage is from start to finish and plan out how far you can realistically drive each day.
Make sure you plan your route accordingly and know where the safe places are to stop and use the restroom or stretch your legs. Make sure that you will be able to stop for gas when you need it and obey the legal posted speed limit and buckle up.
Try To Avoid Nighttime Driving
Driving at night always comes with higher risks due to the limited visibility, glare from other headlights and street lights, and driver drowsiness. If driving at night is unavoidable, make sure that you have had plenty of rest and that you make your last pitstop before it gets dark outside.
Make sure you have coffee or some kind of caffeinated drinks handy and always have another driver on standby, if possible. That way if you become too fatigued to drive you can find a safe place to pull over and switch places.
Schedule Regular Rest Breaks
No matter the level of holiday excitement in your car, it is easy to become fatigued when driving long distances. A bit of research before you hit the road will help you sort out the cleanest and safest places in South Carolina to stop along your route. Plan for bathroom breaks, meals, and plenty of leg-stretching.
Make sure that you pace your stops evenly and schedule enough of them that they are actually restful. Getting to your destination two hours earlier won’t make a difference if you are cramped, tired, hungry, and cranky.
South Carolina Car Accident Attorney
Hopefully, everyone will have a safe and happy holiday season. If you or a loved one should be injured by a negligent driver, make sure that you contact an attorney at the Nye Law Group as soon as possible. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will stand by you during your claim and ensure that you receive the maximum damages you are entitled to under South Carolina law.
If you are interested in a free consultation with one of the personal injury attorneys in our office, please call us at (912) 200-5230 today.
