Mild, beautiful Florida winters mean we don’t take seasonal road conditions as seriously as we perhaps should. While snow and ice are not a threat here, there are other adverse conditions that can be just as dangerous, especially around the holiday season, and if you are taking a road trip up north.
Florida drivers encounter troubles with vehicle maintenance (or lack thereof), additional traffic, and tired, impaired holiday drivers. This may mean car or truck accidents that leave you or a loved one injured - or worse.
Taking proper precautions can help keep you and your loved ones safe on the roads this holiday season.
The Weather Outside Isn’t Frightful (But that doesn’t it mean it can’t be dangerous)
Central Florida weather can’t help but delight during all seasons. We avoid the slush and ice on the roads and the decreased visibility that comes with snow. However, we do have rain and even downpours that do affect range of vision while driving, especially at night. Additionally, with daylight savings time, shorter days become longer nights, and we know that nighttime already brings less visibility on the roads.
If you’re driving in the dark or in a rainstorm, the first thing you need to do is slow down. There can be unexpected hazards in the road that you may not have time to react to if you drive too fast. Furthermore, other drivers may not use the same caution you do. Keeping a moderate speed gives you plenty of opportunities to avoid someone else’s car or truck accidents.
Holiday Fatigue and Other Drivers
Many people will be heading to family gatherings over the next several months, or to parties thrown by jobs or friends. That means an increased number of people on the roads. They may have had too much to drink, may be fatigued after extended celebrations away from home or long road trips, or may be generally distracted by the stress that the holidays can bring.
An increase of drivers on the roads, some of them badly impaired, leads to a greater chance of car and truck accidents. Staying alert and driving defensively by paying extra close attention to those around you will help get you home safely. And, we know we’ve said it a million times, but it always bears repeating: NEVER drive impaired. With Uber and other rideshare options easily available, there’s never an excuse to drive impaired.
Always be aware of your surroundings when you’re driving, but especially when it’s easy to get distracted by a lot of drivers on the road.
Don’t Ignore Vehicle Maintenance
Vehicle maintenance isn’t just important when it comes to less-than-perfect driving conditions. Keeping vehicles maintained helps prevent breakdowns as well as unnecessary car and truck accidents. While you might be scrupulous about bringing your vehicle to the shop, the same may not be true of other drivers, especially during the chaos of the holidays.
Your cars’ tires, tire pressure, and brakes are critical to ensure safety while on the road. Also, make sure your headlights not only work but that they aren’t dirty, as dirty headlights can greatly reduce visibility in rain and the dark.
Now is a great time to take your car to the shop for a tune-up. Do it before you are overwhelmed by holiday obligations. Doing so could prevent mechanical issues or breakdowns that could lead to car or truck accidents.
Winter Wreck? Steven A. Bagen & Associates Can Help
Just because no icicles are hanging from the bumpers of the vehicles in front of you doesn’t mean winter car and truck accidents aren’t just as likely! If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck or car accident, contact Steven A. Bagen & Associates today. Our team has the experience you need to receive the compensation you are entitled to.
