Avoid Holiday Accidents by Following These Tips from Professional Drivers
Whether you are driving over the river and through the woods or just driving down the highway to get to grandmother’s house this holiday season, the risk for accidents is ever-present. Weather can deteriorate quickly even in our warmer climate, and roads are busier than ever with holiday travelers and trucks carrying people and packages to their ultimate destinations.
No matter if this is your first holiday travel season or your fiftieth, there are always some “golden rules” to keep in mind when hitting the interstate. This year, the American Trucking Associations (ATA) has shared tips from their own experience sharing the road with yuletide drivers.
During the holidays, not only are there more cars on the road, but truck numbers increase, too. From increased demand at grocery stores to high volumes of packages being ordered and shipped, you will likely be sharing the road with more trucks in the next few weeks than the past few months combined. Here are some ways that the ATA recommends you stay safe:
- Do not cut off trucks while making lane changes. These vehicles are heavy, and take much longer to stop than your own vehicle.
- If you cannot see a truck’s driver in the mirrors of the truck, he or she cannot see you. By avoiding a truck’s blind spots, you are allowing the driver to help keep you safe, as well.
- Travel at safe speeds appropriate for road conditions. If it is raining, foggy, or there is even the odd chance of snow, you should reduce your speed to account for the changing traction and visibility.
- Be prepared and plan ahead for your journey. Make sure that you know your route, and give yourself some extra time so that you do not feel rushed. Drivers distracted by their GPS or cellphones cause many holiday wrecks—know where you are going ahead of time and be aware of approaching turns or exits well ahead of time.
They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and in the case of holiday driving, that is a gross understatement. Many accidents involving trucks are not caused by the truck driver, but rather the passenger vehicles around them. Remember—your holiday is possible because of the men and women in commercial transportation. Thank them by driving cautiously and sharing a safe holiday travel season!
Do you have friends and family making a December road trip this year? Share this article with them on Facebook to encourage everyone to share the road safely this year!