Planning on making a bit of a drive to get to your family
this holiday season? Plenty of people are as well. The roads are usually
heavier with traffic right before Christmas Eve and after New Year’s Day. Below
are some tips that can help you get to your loved ones safe and comfortably.
- Do your research
Plan alternative trips if traffic makes your way home too overwhelming. Perhaps there is a scenic drive that might be a little longer but have less traffic and be less stressful.
Plan alternative trips if traffic makes your way home too overwhelming. Perhaps there is a scenic drive that might be a little longer but have less traffic and be less stressful.
- It’s ok to take breaks
Some people like to drive straight through in order to not
waste any time but taking a break can ease the rest of your trip. Break up a
long drive by stopping at a few places or rest stops and give your eyes a break
from the tension of a long drive. If you’re feeling hungry, get a bite to eat
or pack some snacks. Hunger can affect your concentration and decrease your
energy.
- Travel early or late in the day
The best time to get on the road is either early morning or
late at night when people are asleep. Most people travel during normal
afternoon hours. Go to bed very early the night before so you can leave early
morning and get a head start before everyone else on the road. You can also
always take a nap when you get to your destination. However, only drive during
these hours if you’ve been well rested. Driving drowsy should never be a risk
to take.
- Check out the expected weather conditions before heading
out
If a winter storm is expected to hit while you are driving,
be prepared beforehand. Keep some grit in your trunk in case you get stuck in
snow or ice. It’s also a good idea to be equipped with a blanket, flashlights
and road flares in case you get stranded. If heavy rain is predicted to fall,
make sure your windshield wipers work well. Knowing the weather conditions can
help you plan ahead as well so you can leave before the weather hits.
- Make sure your vehicle is working in proper order
Check your tire pressure, oil, and water. This is especially
important for older vehicles. Check that both of your headlights and taillights
are working. Don’t wait last minute to check if everything is working properly;
you will need time to get any engine issues fixed before having to leave on
your trip.
- Keep distractions away
Last but not least, refrain from checking your phone for
emails or texts. The road should have your undivided attention. You can check
your phone once you reach a rest stop. Checking your phone is especially
dangerous if you are going to be traveling at fast speeds on the highway.
If
you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in
Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor,
Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield,
Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City
Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys
know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your
feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the
compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow
Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join
the conversation by using #MCAA.