Best Personal Injury Lawyers’ Top 10 Tips for Driving During the Holidays

The holiday season is in full swing, and with it comes increased time on the roads—travel to holiday parties, out-of-town visits with family and friends, and running around to finish all of your shopping and errands. This time of year is wonderful but can also be hectic. When you combine the holiday hurry with the potential for bad weather and poor road conditions, it can lead to major motor vehicle accidents that cause significant personal injury.  Here are the top 10 tips for driving during the holidays from our team of best personal injury lawyers in Vancouver.

Top 10 tips for driving during the holidays from the best personal injury lawyers

1. Plan your route before you drive. Decide on your route ahead of time so you don’t have to check maps or get directions while driving. Planning out a route before driving will keep you from getting lost, and as an added benefit, you can plan to avoid congested areas (for example, areas near malls or shopping districts that are packed with vehicle traffic at the holidays).
2. Budget enough time so you are not in a rush. Take into account that you may encounter increased traffic volume and poor weather conditions. Leave early so that you are not stressed, in a hurry, or distracted while driving.
3. Don’t speed. If you didn’t budget enough time, get caught up running errands, or are delayed by traffic, avoid the urge to speed to make up for lost time. Excess speed is a key contributor to major motor vehicle accidents that cause significant personal injury.
4. Ensure your vehicle is well maintained. Check that tires, brakes, fluid levels, wipers and headlights are in proper working order, especially if you are travelling longer distances over the holidays. It is also a great idea to have a fully stocked emergency roadside kit in your vehicle at all times.
5. Check the weather before you drive. It is important to be prepared for the weather, which has a major impact on road conditions. Keep in mind that weather conditions can deteriorate quickly while driving, especially in mountainous areas of BC, so you will need to stay alert. Have a look at the list of top 10 winter driving tips for BC drivers, prepared by our team of the best personal injury lawyers.
6. If the roads and weather are particularly bad, avoid driving. If a winter storm is forecasted, the safest option is to avoid non-essential travel altogether.
7. Make sure you are rested and alert when driving. Driver fatigue is a significant contributor to car accidents. Take regular breaks to avoid being drowsy while driving, and ensure you get a good night’s sleep if you have a long drive ahead of you the next day.
8. Don’t be a distracted driver. Leave your phone alone while driving. Program your GPS before you travel. Put to-do lists out of your mind and focus on the road.
9. Drive defensively. At this time of year, other road users are likely to be in a hurry or not paying attention to the roads. You can reduce the risk of collision by anticipating dangerous situations or the mistakes of others. Watch for dangerous drivers and distracted pedestrians. Keep distance between your vehicle and vehicles driven by impatient, distracted, or aggressive drivers.
10. Never, ever drink and drive. If you drink, arrange for a designated driver, take public transit or a taxi, or plan to stay over. Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs can lead to serious car accidents, criminal charges, and issues with ICBC insurance coverage. It is simply not worth the risk.

Injured in a holiday driving accident? Get advice from the best personal injury lawyers

If caution is not exercised, holiday driving can lead to major accidents and serious injuries. If you have suffered personal injury as a result of a motor vehicle accident and want to bring an ICBC claim, contact Simpson, Thomas & Associates’ team of the best personal injury lawyers, located in the Lower Mainland. We have Vancouver, Abbotsford, Surrey/Delta, and Burnaby office appointments available if you need legal advice with respect to obtaining compensation for your personal injury. Our law firm has an enviable record of success handling major loss claims for clients throughout BC and our personal injury lawyers aim to continue building on our reputation of providing the best quality service to our clients. Use our e-Form to request a free consultation or call (604) 689-8888 to find out how the best personal injury lawyers can guide you through the ICBC claims process and maximize your compensation.