With Thanksgiving automobile traffic around the corner, take time to prepare yourself for highway travel with these tips
Posted By
on Nov 24, 2010 6:51am PST
Thanksgiving holiday travel results in some of the most congested highway traffic of the year. Couple that with inclement weather throughout the United States, and you have a recipe for potential disaster, including automobile accidents and 18-wheeler accidents. There are a few things you can do to minimize the risk of becoming the statistic of a motor vehicle accident or tractor-trailer accident in Missouri.
First, make sure that your car is in good working order. This includes having the brakes inspected, tires inspected, and radiator in good condition. It also includes having good windshield wipers and plenty of windshield washer fluid in the tank under your hood. When slush, sleet, and other weather forms on your windshield, you will experience decreased visibility. Using water for windshield wiper fluid is NOT an effective means of being safe. Only certain types of windshield washer fluid has anti-freezing agents in it. This will cut through the weather on your windshield and assist your wipers in being more effective when used in cold temperatures.
Second, put down the cellphone when you are driving. Recent studies prove that using a cellphone while driving is akin to being a drunk driver; in fact, it is more dangerous to use the cellphone! Using a handsfree device, such as a bluetooth enabled earbud, will free up your eyes and concentration on the road....however, you still must resist the urge to text, check email, or use any of the other interactive features found on most of today's Smartphones.
Third, be a defensive driver. Exceeding the speed limit in an effort to shave a few minutes off your travel time is not worth the risk. Traffic congestion is inevitable during the holidays, so take a deep breath and drive the speed limit. Also, remain attentive behind the wheel. Driver inattention and distractions within the vehicle is another top cause of serious traffic accidents, including fatal head-on car accidents in the state of Missouri.
Happy Holidays from the attorneys at Schultz Legal Group. Be safe out there if you are traveling and enjoy the time with your families!