It is estimated that 93.3 million people in America travel 50 miles or more during the holidays. Some people who travel for the holidays never make it back home because they get into an accident. The good news is that there are several things that can be done to avoid an accident. Below are some tips for avoiding a car accident while you are traveling for the holidays.
Make Sure That Your Vehicle In Good Shape
Before you travel, you should make sure that your car is in good shape. This is especially important if you will be traveling a long distance. If your car is not in good shape, then your chances of getting into a car accident will be much greater.
Keep Your Eyes Moving
One of the keys to avoiding an accident is to keep your eyes moving at all times. You not only need to look out for the other cars on the road, but you also need to look out for changing traffic conditions, motorcycles and pedestrians. You have to keep an eye on everyone else on the road because they may not be paying attention.
Make sure that you stay totally focused on driving. Activities like texting, talking on the phone and eating can distract you. Distracted driving is one of the top causes of car accidents.
Avoid Tailgating
You will need to avoid following too closely. If the person ahead of you was to suddenly slam on brakes, then you could very easily slam into the back of their car. There should be a six to eight second distance between your car and the car that is ahead of you.
Drive The Speed Limit
You may be anxious to get to your destination, but there is no need to speed. If you speed, then it will be much easier for you to lose control of your vehicle. That is why you should always drive the speed limit.
Do Not Drink And Drive
Risky behaviors, such as drinking and driving, drastically increase your chances of getting into an accident. When people get behind the wheel of a car after drinking, their reaction time is slowed and their judgment is impaired. If you choose to drink, then you should ask someone else to drive.
Each year, thousands of people are injured while they are traveling during the holidays. Fortunately, accidents can be avoided by driving the speed limit, keeping your eyes on the road and not tailgating. You also want to make sure that your car is in good working order before you drive. Furthermore, you should not drink and drive.
