Holiday Traveling Safety – Indianapolis Personal Injury Tips

January 21, 2016 | Blog,Car Accidents

During the holidays, many of us will be traveling on highways and interstates to visit friends and relatives in other parts of the country.  According to data published by the United States Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 91% of all holiday travel is by car, and the number of long-distance trips increases by 54% during the Thanksgiving holiday. This can make for unusually congested roads and highways, increasing the risk of travelers being involved in motor vehicle accidents. When motor vehicle accidents occur due to the negligence of others, victims may be able to recover by filing an Indianapolis personal injury lawsuit. The best way to protect your legal rights and get the compensation you deserve is to retain the services of an experienced auto accident attorneys in Indianapolis as soon as possible after you are involved in an accident.

In Indianapolis, regarding injury law and finding an tough attorney or lawyer to fight for you,

No one wants a car accident to ruin their holiday season. Fortunately for holiday travelers, there are some steps that you can take in order to reduce your risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. Some of the steps are detailed below:

  • Pay attention to the road – Distracted driving is a contributing factor in a significant number of car accidents each year. Be sure to take steps to minimize the potential for distractions. This could include things like placing your cell phone in the glove box and giving children activities to do during the drive.
  • Check the weather – As the colder weather arrives, so does the potential for winter weather such as snow or ice. Be sure to check the weather forecast along your route, and do your best to avoid driving through adverse weather conditions.
  • Be patient – Increased traffic volume can lead to congestion on the roads and traffic delays. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination, and try not to get frustrated if traffic is not moving as quickly as you would like.
  • Practice proper vehicle maintenance – Before any long trip you should check your vehicle for any normal maintenance issues. For example, you should check your oil, tire pressure, tire tread level, windshield wiper fluid, coolant, and headlamps before leaving on your trip.
  • Keep a cell phone handy – While a potential source of distraction, a cell phone can be a literal lifesaver in the event of an emergency. Anyone planning a long road trip should be certain to bring a fully charged cell phone and a charger along.
  • Always wear your seatbelt – There may be a temptation to remove seatbelts during long road trips. Don’t. In the event of a collision at highway speeds, a seatbelt may save your life. In addition, in 49 of our 50 states (New Hampshire being the outlier), not wearing a seatbelt is against the law.

By following these tips, you can help reduce the risk that you will be involved in a motor vehicle accident during your holiday trip. In the unfortunate event that you are, you should be certain to talk to an Indianapolis personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident.