- December 24, 2019
As a driver, you need to pay attention to road conditions and other road users every time you get behind the wheel. However, there are certain times of the year when you need to be even more cautious. One such period is the festive December holiday season. Christmas and New Year’s Eve should be spent enjoying the company of family and friends. Unfortunately, anyone can end up dealing with the consequences of serious car accidents in Louisiana. With increased vehicles moving around and tired, impatient motorists, the roads can be particularly dangerous. You can’t control what other drivers do. However, you can take steps to avoid getting into an accident.
How to Stay Safe This Holiday Season
Let’s take a look at some of the things you need to do to help ensure your safety.
Don’t Drink and Drive
Alcohol impairs an individual’s ability to drive. Getting behind the wheel is simply not worth the risk. Even if you think you’re only slightly buzzed, you could be a danger to yourself and others. And, if you get pulled over by police, you can be arrested and charged with driving under the influence. If you drink alcohol at an office party, family dinner or another seasonal event, don’t drive until you’re sober. It’s best to arrange for a designated driver, call a taxi, use a rideshare app or take public transportation. Walking can actually be quite dangerous if you’re impaired so you should avoid this.
Drive Within the Speed Limit
There’s a lot to do at this time of year. You may be in a rush to buy gifts, grab groceries or find decorations. You may even find yourself rushing to get back home so the babysitter can leave. No matter how much it seems like time is getting away from you, resist the urge to speed. Fast driving increases the likelihood that you will lose control of your vehicle. It also reduces your ability to react to things that are happening on the road. The best thing to do is to give yourself enough time to get to and from events. This will help to ensure you won’t need to call a Baton Rouge car accident lawyer during the holidays.
Stay Calm
The festive season is meant to be enjoyable. However, December can be highly stressful because of limited finances, family drama or packed schedules. Don’t allow your mood to affect the way you drive. If you let the stress get to you, you may tailgate, run red lights or engage in road rage. Find healthy ways to cope with your stress and reduce the pressures of the holidays. This will help you to keep your head on as you make your way around the city.
Don’t Drive When Drowsy
If you have to drive a long distance to see friends or family, plan to do so safely. Don’t try to drive for hours without taking a rest. The longer you keep going, the more likely it is that you will get tired and sleepy. Fatigue is just as dangerous and alcohol for drivers. Give yourself lots of time to get to your destination and break up your trip into manageable legs. Even if you don’t cause an accident, you may be slow to react if a vehicle is barreling towards you. If this happens, you’ll need a car wreck attorney in Baton Rouge.
Don’t Use Your Phone
As you move around, you may want to call or text someone. However, you need to make sure you don’t use your phone while you’re operating your vehicle. Distracted driving is very risky. When you’re trying to navigate the highway or other highly trafficked areas, you need to give the road your full attention. People taking their eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, has caused many car accidents in Louisiana.
Our Experienced Attorneys Can Help With Car Accidents in Louisiana
These tips should help you to prepare for the busy period ahead. You need to do everything you can do to protect yourself, your passengers, and other road users. Of course, you can’t completely eliminate the risk of being involved in car accidents in Louisiana. A driver who isn’t as cautious as you could create a very dangerous situation. If you get injured because of a driver’s negligence, you need to contact a car collision attorney. Our car accident law firm can advise you of your rights and help you to protect them. Schedule a consultation as soon as possible after your accident.
