Highways and Holiday Driving
If you have plans to head out on the road over the holidays, Travis County personal injury lawyer Stephen G. Nagle offers some simple safety tips.
The holidays are right around the corner, meaning many of us will be making plans for trips and visits with loved ones. Unfortunately, any type of travel at this time of the year tends to be more challenging. This is particularly true if you intend to head out on the roads. Highway traffic is likely to be heavy, making car accidents and potentially serious injuries more likely. To protect yourself, Travis County personal injury lawyer Stephen G. Nagle advises taking extra precautions and following these safety tips.
Holiday Road Travel Safety Tips
When making your plans for holiday get togethers with family and friends, give some thought to your travel plans and the dates you intend to go. If you are driving the week before or on the day of a holiday, expect traffic to be heavy. Allow room in your schedule and give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. To protect yourself on the road, follow these holiday travel tips from the American Automobile Association (AAA):
- Have your car thoroughly checked by a mechanic before you go;
- Carefully chart your drive, allowing for alternate routes in the event of accidents or road closures;
- Pack emergency supplies, including a cell phone charger, battery, flares, blankets, bottled water, and a few snacks;
- If you do break down, pull over as far to the side of the road and wait for police or roadside assistance to arrive.
In the event of an accident, notify law enforcement immediately. Exchange information with other drivers and seek medical attention, even if you suspect your injuries are minor.
Prepare Yourself for Highway Driving
Whether your holiday travel plans involve going across town or across the country, there is a good chance you will find yourself on the highway. High rates of speed and an increase in out of town drivers can all increase potential car accident risks. To play it safe, follow these tips from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT):
- Maintain steady speeds: Watch for changes in speed limits and be aware that going either too slow or too fast on highways puts you and other drivers in jeopardy.
- Keep to the right: It can be dangerous to drive in the left lane, which in Texas and other places is often designated as ‘passing only.’
- Give truckers plenty of space: The larger the truck, the greater the blind spot. Avoid driving directly beside or behind large vehicles.
- Move to the side: If you pass a car accident or a break down, move to the side and keep your eyes on the road to avoid getting into an accident yourself.
Let Travis County Personal Injury Lawyer Stephen G. Nagle Help You
As an experienced Travis County personal injury lawyer, Stephen G. Nagle has been providing legal representation to people in the area for 35 years. If you are involved in a car accident, reach out and contact his Travis County office to request a consultation.