5 Essential Steps to Stay Safe on the Road this Christmas

Christmas is a time of joy and celebration. But sadly, with the influx of many of us hitting the road to visit friends and relatives, it is also a time when some of us are injured on the road. As compensation lawyers, we often hear of how things go wrong on the road. Here are 5 tips to reduce the risk of having an accident on the road over the festive period.

Tip 1 – Ensure Your Car is in Good Working Order

As the holiday season begins, life can become busy, and important tasks like maintaining your car may be overlooked. Before hitting the road, it is a good idea to have your car inspected by a local mechanic, especially if you are traveling a long distance. If time does not allow for a professional inspection of your car, make sure to perform basic checks yourself. This includes examining the air pressure and tread of your tyres, as well as checking oil and water levels. Even something as simple as ensuring your windscreen is clean can make a significant difference in spotting hazards and staying safe on the road.

Tip 2 – Seatbelts are a Must.

It is the law to wear a seatbelt in a vehicle. As the driver, it is your responsibility to ensure that you and all passengers are always properly buckled up, especially young children in car seats. A helpful tip is to regularly check on young children during the journey to ensure their seatbelts are secure and correctly fastened.

Tip 3 – Get Plenty of Rest Before Driving

Driving while fatigued significantly increases the risk of accidents. To stay safe, ensure you get plenty of rest before driving. If possible, share the driving with someone else. If that is not an option, plan to take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.

Always remember—never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

For longer trips, planning your route in advance is essential. Scheduling breaks at rest stops along the way not only helps you stay alert, but can make the trip a bit more interesting.

Tip 4 – Avoid Distractions

While it is nice to have company on a road trip, a distracting passenger can be a real danger. If you are driving with young children, it is always a good idea to provide them with entertainment to keep them occupied – plenty of snacks can be a lifesaver too!

To stay focused, keep your mobile phone out of sight and avoid using it while driving. Additionally, keep the music at a reasonable volume to ensure you remain attentive to your surroundings.

Tip 5 – Drive to Suit the Conditions

Always adapt your driving to suit the conditions. Heavy traffic, rain, strong winds, or roadworks may require you to reduce your speed and drive more cautiously. Pay close attention to warning signs indicating changes in road conditions or potential obstacles to ensure a safe journey.

Evolve Legal – How We Can Assist you

The team at Evolve Legal, would like to wish you a safe and happy festive season. While we hope everything goes smoothly during this time, we understand that unforeseen events can happen.

Whether it is a motor vehicle accident, or any other incident, our dedicated team is here to provide the support and legal guidance.

Our team of experienced personal injury lawyers are here to assist you and provide you with support and guidance throughout the process of a claim.

Please do not hesitate to contact us. At Evolve Legal, your wellbeing and peace of mind are our priority.

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