Travel Tips For The Holidays

If you’re one of the many Little Rock families taking to the roads or the skies to visit family members during the holiday seasons, you should be aware of the dangers. As personal injury lawyers at The Duncan Firm, we see accident cases every day. Someone dies from a car accident every 13 seconds in the US, and plane accidents are often deadly. The holiday period presents special challenges for travelers, as drivers are stressed and behind schedule. Poor winter weather only exacerbates the problem. But following a few tips can help you navigate the holiday travel season safely and enjoyably.

• Give Yourself Plenty of Time: Many accidents occur as a result of drivers hurrying to make a tight deadline. The deadline will always be there, but if you give yourself a little more time and leave a bit earlier than initially planned, you won’t have to hurry quite as much or take dangerous risks to make up time.
• Don’t Push Yourself: If you’re driving a long way, don’t force yourself to meet unrealistic deadlines that require you to do foolish things like driving 19 hours a day. Allow yourself  a break and step out from behind the wheel. Set up a shift system with someone else in the car, if possible, so that you’re not driving the entire way yourself.
• Be Aware of the Weather: Snow, sleet, hail, rain and even wind can make a simple drive miserable. It’s even worse if you’re going a long way across unfamiliar roads. Before heading out, make yourself aware of the weather along your route. If significant snow is forecast, maybe re-consider your trip. If that’s not possible, at least make sure your car is well-equipped to handle inclement weather. Get solid winter tires and check your windshield wiper blades.

Of course, even the most cautious and well-prepared driver occasionally meets with misfortune. Even if you do everything right a negligent driver can still hurt you and your family.

If you have been in a car accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, please contact the Little Rock personal injury lawyers at The Duncan Firm for a free case evaluation