The holidays are a time when friends and family come together, often traveling from afar to reunite and share in the season’s cheer. However, amidst this merriment, it’s crucial to remember the importance of road safety. The holidays typically see a significant increase in travel, making the roads busier and, unfortunately, sometimes more hazardous. To ensure that these special moments remain joyous and safe for everyone, heightened awareness and precaution on the roads are essential. In this spirit, we present you with some driving tips designed to safeguard your holiday travels and limit accidents on the road.
- Planning Your Route in Advance: Florida’s roads can get particularly crowded during the holidays. By planning when and where you will drive in advance, you can identify less congested roads and avoid the stress of heavy traffic. Utilize real-time traffic apps to stay informed about the current road conditions.Plan to drive during off-peak hours to avoid the rush. Early mornings or late evenings, when foot traffic and cars are at a minimum, are often the best times to hit the road. Remember, a relaxed and unhurried drive is a safer driver. Florida’s weather, too, can be unpredictable, especially during winter. We are accustomed to sunny skies, but relatively colder nights mixed with heavy rain can quickly lead to low visibility. Checking weather forecasts helps you prepare for unexpected conditions, be it a sudden downpour or a foggy morning. Likewise, traffic reports can alert you to any road closures, accidents, or construction work that might affect your journey.
- Adhering to Speed Limits and Traffic Laws: Respecting speed limits and traffic laws is fundamental to safe driving, particularly during Florida’s busy holiday season. Speed limits are in place to regulate traffic flow, but they serve as a public safety measure. Higher speeds increase both the likelihood of accidents and the severity of their consequences. Remember, the few minutes you might save by speeding are never worth the risk of a tragic outcome. Beyond speed, it’s important to pay attention to all traffic signs and road markers. Traffic signs and lights are there to manage traffic, prevent collisions, and allow pedestrian crossing access. Florida has many locations where pedestrians are afforded the right of way, and you are even likelier to see these crossing locations active during the busy holiday tourist season. Speeding and disregarding traffic signals can result in hefty fines, points on your driver’s license, and, in extreme cases, suspension of your driving privileges. More importantly, these violations can lead to accidents, resulting in severe injuries and vehicle damage. As a driver, you are not only responsible for your own safety, but also for the safety of your passengers and fellow road users.
- Avoiding Distractions While Driving: The use of mobile phones while driving is a leading cause of distraction across the country. Texting, browsing social media, or even just talking on the phone can divert your attention and slow your reaction times. Florida law prohibits texting while driving, and the best option you have when driving is to either turn off your phone or use a hands-free system if you must be reachable. Staying focused on road safety means being mindful of conversations with passengers, eating or drinking while driving, and even getting lost in your thoughts. Each of these can significantly impair your ability to concentrate on driving.
- Avoid Driving Under the Influence: The festive mood of the holiday season often brings with it celebrations that include alcohol. However, as most people already know, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and poses a very present and grave risk to everyone on the road. Statistically, the incidence of DUI-related accidents tends to spike during holiday periods. Florida’s legal repercussions for DUI include heavy fines, license suspension, and imprisonment. If you plan to drink, plan ahead and coordinate how to get home without driving. You have many options, like designating a sober driver, using public transportation, or utilizing ride-sharing services; encourage friends and family to do the same.
As a personal injury law firm committed to the safety and well-being of our community, we encourage you to practice these guidelines. Should you be involved in an accident on the road this holiday season due to someone else’s negligence, contact Probinsky & Cole to discuss your rights for compensation.
