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Safe Driving Tips for Holiday Travelers

Christmas and Hanukkah are coming up this week, which means that people throughout Texas will be packing up the car and hitting the road to spend the holidays with family and friends. With so many people on the highways, the risk of auto accidents will increase. You can proactively protect yourself and your passengers by reviewing this list of safe driving tips before you set off!

Here’s what you can do to prevent a holiday car accident:

• Get plenty of rest. Drowsy driving results in over 100,000 traffic collisions annually when people are too tired to react in time to prevent a collision or when they fall asleep behind the wheel. Before you embark on your road trip, make sure you get a full seven to eight hours of sleep. This alone will cut your risk of getting into an accident by 50 percent.
• Be patient. Even the most patient driver can become frustrated and anxious to reach their destination after hours in the car battling traffic. While it may be tempting to speed or drive more aggressively than you normally would, remember that it isn’t worth compromising your safety to shave a few minutes off of your drive.
• Minimize distractions. Texting, looking at a GPS system, grooming, eating, and listening to loud music are all sources of distraction that can greatly increase the odds of an accident. Make sure you put away anything that could take your attention away from the road, even momentarily.
• Don’t drink and drive. Holiday celebrations often involve eggnog, champagne, and other alcoholic beverages. Unfortunately, some drivers choose to get behind the wheel after partaking in alcohol and end up causing serious accidents. Don’t be a statistic – if you plan to drink, designate a driver!

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the chances of having your holiday ruined by a preventable auto accident. Our entire team here at Haines Law, P.C. wishes you and your family a happy and safe holiday and a prosperous New Year!

Injured? Our Houston car accident attorney is prepared to help you recover maximum compensation. Give us a call today to learn more about your rights: (281) 975-0031.