Nothing can ruin the holiday season quite like an unexpected car accident. As snow and sleet begin to accumulate on the roads, the risk of being involved in a crash can increase tremendously, making it vital that drivers take certain precautions to maintain their safety. Our firm has put together a list of tips to help you avoid a collision this holiday season.
Watch Your Speed
As always, driving at high speeds can increase your risk of being involved in an accident. Slippery roads can compound this risk. If you are driving on snowy or icy roads, maintaining a speed under the posted limit can help you to stay within control of your vehicle. Speed limits display safe traveling speeds given completely normal weather conditions, so be sure to compensate accordingly.
Maintain Your Tires
If you are in a particularly snowy area, it is crucial that you maintain your tires in order to maximize your vehicle’s grip on the roads. Worn tires, especially when combined with inclement weather, can cause your car to lose traction and spin out. Equipping your tires with chains and checking the treads on your tires can help combat this risk. A helpful tip is to take a penny and place it in between the treads of your tires. If you can see Lincoln’s head, it’s likely time to replace.
Do Not Tailgate
If you follow too closely behind the car in front of you, you greatly increase your chances of being involved in a rear-end accident. This is especially true at high speeds, as the gap between you and the vehicle in front of you can be closed in an instant if the other driver slams on the brakes. Try to keep a minimum of one car’s length between you and the vehicle in front of you, with this distance increasing depending on how fast you are traveling.
Watch Out for Drunk Drivers
Along with festivities and good-natured fun, the holidays generally bring about an increase in the number of drunk driving accidents as well. For this reason, it is imperative that you drive defensively and always be aware of your surroundings. If you see a car that is weaving in and out of traffic or driving on the wrong side of the road, keep your distance. If you can, try to get the vehicle’s license plate number and report it to the authorities. You could be saving someone’s life!
Injured? Call (844) 654-6228 Today!
While these tips can help keep you safe, nobody can ever predict the actions of another driver. If you should suffer an injury in a car accident in Alabama this holiday season, the Dothan personal injury lawyers at Morris, Andrew, Talmadge & Driggers, LLC can advocate on your behalf and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. We have recovered millions on behalf of our clients, and we are prepared to do everything within our power to help you maximize your chances of securing a fair settlement for your injuries. To get started, contact our office online or request a free consultation today!
