With the Thanksgiving holiday nearly upon us, many people and families in the Ocala area are planning on taking road trips to other cities and towns across the country to visit friends and family. Unfortunately, as is the case with any instance of motor vehicle travel, holiday road trips expose travelers to the risk of involvement in a serious car accident. According to the Bureau of Travel Statistics, the six-day travel period around Thanksgiving holiday sees 54 percent more long-distance travel than other times of the year. The combination of heavier traffic, potentially adverse winter weather, and driving in unfamiliar areas can result in catastrophic accidents. Importantly, Florida law often allows individuals who are injured in these kinds of accidents to recover for their injuries and other losses.
Holiday Travelers can Take Steps to Reduce Their Risk of Involvement in an Accident
Fortunately for people who are traveling this holiday season, there are steps that drivers can take to reduce the risk that they or their families will be hurt in an accident. Some of these are detailed below.
- Have your vehicle checked by a professional mechanic – It is extremely important for people who are planning on using their personal vehicle for travel to ensure that their vehicle is safe to drive. For this reason, it is advisable to have a mechanic give your vehicle a pre-trip inspection in order to spot any potential trouble. The kinds of things your mechanic will check include your fluid levels, tire pressure, windshield wipers, and tire tread, as well as other aspects of your vehicle that have the potential to be unsafe.
- Plan ahead – People who are taking long-distance road trips should also take time to plan ahead. This involves planning your route, any overnight stops you may need to make, packing safety equipment into your vehicle, and checking for road construction or potential bad weather conditions along your route. Knowing what to expect and taking steps to prepare can make your trip significantly safer for you and your family.
- Get plenty of rest – Drowsy driving significantly increases the risk of involvement in an accident. If your trip is particularly long or will require multiple travel days, make sure that you are taking enough breaks and get enough sleep before getting behind the wheel. If possible, travel with another adult who can switch off driving the vehicle every few hours to keep stay as sharp as possible.
Contact An Ocala Car Accident Lawyer Today To Discuss Your Case
A serious car accident during the holiday season can be extraordinarily disruptive and ruin what should be a memorable time filled with friends and family. In many instances, victims are able to recover compensation for their medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and physical and emotional pain and suffering after an accident. For this reason, it is important for victims to discuss their legal options with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. To schedule a free consultation with Ocala car accident lawyer John Piccin, call our office today at 352-558-8480.