Whether you’re taking last-minute trips to the mall for gifts or planning a road trip with your family, the holiday season often drives families to spend more time in the car. However, with busier roads and harsher weather to deal with, it’s important to drive safely. Use these tips to avoid a potential car crash on the road this season. 

How Can You Drive Safely Over the Holidays?

1. Keep Your Personal Gas Tank Full

In addition to keeping your eye on the car’s gas gauge, it’s important to make sure you have enough fuel to reach your destination safely. Try to get a solid seven to eight hours of sleep in before a long trip, and pull over whenever you feel sleepy. When necessary, check into a hotel along the way, or ask one of your passengers to take the wheel. Focus on eating hearty meals full of protein that will keep you full and prevent your energy levels from spiking and crashing.

2. Limit Distractions

Around this time of year, you may be dealing with a car full of excited children or loud Christmas music on the radio. However, having too many distractions in the car will pull your attention from the road and your surroundings. To stay focused, keep the music low enough that you can comfortably talk over it. Put your phone on airplane mode, or place it in the glove compartment until you’ve parked. Avoid eating, doing your makeup, or using any devices while the car is in motion. 

3. Increase Your Following Distance

During the holidays, crowded, slippery roads can greatly increase the risk of car crashes. As a result, it's best to increase your following distance so that you have at least four to five seconds to come to a full stop without hitting the car in front of you. In inclement weather, you should add another couple of seconds. To prevent the driver behind you from crashing into your bumper, make sure you use your signals whenever turning or changing lanes.

If you are involved in an accident this holiday season, let Knochel Knochel & Darus in Bullhead City, AZ, help you obtain compensation. Their personal injury attorneys will help you file a claim or a lawsuit, so you can move forward with your recovery process. They’ve been serving clients since 1987, and they'll be happy to answer any of your questions. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (928) 444-1000 to schedule a consultation.