Donald Pattison
Researchers are predicting that getting through some areas of the country will take three times longer than normal during the upcoming holiday season. Airfare prices are lower than they have been since 2013. This coupled with a 5 percent increase of travelers opting for flying will make it a busy travel season. In addition to this, it is estimated that those traveling by boat, bus or train will increase by 1 percent and those traveling by car will also increase despite higher gas prices. In fact, approximately 45.5 million people will be taking a road trip during this holiday season.
The National Safety Council estimates that there will be more than 50,000 nonfatal injuries and almost 500 deaths due to vehicle collision over the holiday weekend which creates more 18 wheeler accident settlements. One of the best ways to ensure your safety is to always wear your seat belt when traveling in a car. The National Highway Transportation and Safety Board estimates that approximately 14,000 lives were saved in 2015 by wearing a seat belt. Buckling up is one of the easiest ways to help prevent death or permanent injury from an automobile accident. In addition to this, always drive sober as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs increases the likelihood of a car crash.
Here is a list of safety tips that the National Highway Transportation and Safety Board offers to get your car ready for a road trip and to help ensure that you arrive safely.
* Make sure that all of your tires, including your spare tire, is properly inflated and has plenty of tread left.
* Replace worn windshield wiper blades and fill up the windshield wiper fluid reservoir.
* Perform routine maintenance and check for leaks.
* Ensure your battery is fully charged.
* Check online for any recall notices
* Check road conditions, traffic and weather forecasts.
* Allow plenty of time by leaving early.
Download the National Highway Transportation and Safety Board’s Safer Ride mobile app. This app features three buttons and will help you stay off the road if you have been drinking. It gives you the option to call a taxi, phone a pre-programmed friend or determine your location.
When it comes to remaining safe while traveling this holiday season, it is important to only drive when sober and fully awake. If you feel tired or sleepy, pull over and take a nap or ask someone else to drive you. Following the safety advice listed above will help ensure that you arrive safely at your destination.
Author Bio
Donald Pattison is a personal injury lawyer in Corpus Christi. He is passionate in helping people who are facing difficult time after an accident, whether it be a person who has suffered a serious injury in an auto accident or a work accident. In his spare time, he loves to write and share his insights online.
