Traveling to Grandmother’s House – Keeping the Family Safe on the Road

There’s little doubt that trips to grandmother’s house look a good deal different than they did in past generations. Fewer undeveloped areas, electronic distractions, seatbelt laws, and more reliable vehicles make us all a bit more comfortable on the road. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any dangers.

In fact, accident rates tend to soar around the holiday months because so many people take to the roads, sometimes navigating unfamiliar territory. If you and your family are planning one of these trips in the coming months, here are some tips for staying safe on the road.

Holiday Travel Statistics – Your Safety Matters!

Sure, prices have gotten a little higher over the past several years. But that isn’t keeping many Americans home. According to new data from PriceWaterhouseCoopers, about 47% of Americans plan to travel this holiday season. This is a significant jump from just one-third of people traveling during the 2019 holidays, even before the pandemic.

And most Americans (69%) will be hitting the road instead of taking to the friendly skies. But road travel doesn’t come without its risks. According to the National Safety Council, an average of 343 people die in traffic crashes each year during the three days around Christmas alone. And this doesn’t include serious injuries or holidays like Thanksgiving or New Years.

Tips for Keeping the Family Safe on the Road

The high rate of accidents and fatalities around the holidays is particularly tragic because most crashes are preventable. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the primary cause of 94% of traffic crashes is human error. Before you head off to grandmother’s house this year, here are several steps you can take to lower your risk of becoming one of these statistics.

1. Service Your Vehicle in Advance

Before heading out on your holiday road trip, make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape. Take it to your local service center for a thorough inspection and get any regular maintenance completed. Make sure you are up-to-date on things like oil changes, fluids, brakes, tires and tire rotation, and other essential items.

2. Rest Up and Be Ready to Drive

According to numerous studies, drowsy driving can be incredibly dangerous. Make sure you get a good night’s rest before your journey. If you find yourself tired while driving, take the time to pull over and rest.

3. Avoid Mind-Altering Substances

It should go without saying, but mind-altering substances and driving don’t mix. Not only is driving under the influence illegal, but it is a sure way to place your loved ones in serious danger.

4. Plan Your Route Ahead of Time

Even if you’ve driven to your destination in the past, things might have changed, or your memory may have faded. Plan your route well in advance so you know which way you will go and how long it’s going to take.

5. Check Road Conditions

A day or so before leaving, check the local road conditions for an update. You never know if there will be a construction project that has closed lanes or if inclement weather has impacted your route and travel time.

6. Avoid Nighttime Driving

Whenever possible, start and finish your road trips during daylight hours. Fatality rates from crashes at night are three times higher than those during the daytime.

7. Keep Distractions to a Minimum

The NHTSA reports that distracted driving claimed over 3,100 lives in 2020 alone. Avoid anything that can take your attention away from the road, like texting, messing with the stereo, eating or drinking, or trying to maintain order with the kids.

8. Know the Rules of the Road

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, excessive speed is a factor in about 70% of fatal accidents. Understand the rules of the road and make you follow them.

9. Wear Your Seatbelts

Even though seatbelts are proven to save lives, a high percentage of accident fatalities involve vehicle passengers who weren’t wearing one. Even when sitting in the back seat, ensure everyone in the vehicle is strapped in for safety.

10. Pack a Roadside Emergency Kit

Even if your vehicle is in perfect shape, you never know what will happen. Always be prepared for an unexpected emergency with a well-appointed roadside kit in your car. A basic kit should include the items you need to change a tire, jumper cables, snow chains, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, road flares, a fire extinguisher, and an emergency blanket.

Stay Safe During Those Family Trips

When you pay more attention to safety, it’s possible to lower the number of vehicle accidents in our state. Whether you’re heading to grandmother’s house for the holidays or some other time, make sure you do your part.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car crash, it’s vital that you have the right accident lawyer on your side who can advocate for your rights. Your Mississippi Car Accident Attorney will be committed to delivering the most up-to-date and useful information to vehicle accident victims so they can make the most informed decisions about their well-being and future. To learn more about working with an experienced Mississippi car accident lawyer, send us a message.