Cherry Injury Law RSS Feed
The holidays are fast approaching, which means that many Pennsylvania residents will be traveling to visit friends and relatives in other parts of the state and country. With the economy still struggling, a lot of people will be choosing to drive instead of fly again this year.
In fact, according to the Allstate 2001 Good Hands Roadside Assistance Survey, around 45 percent of Pennsylvania drivers are typically on the roads over the holidays. What this means is that people have to take extra precautions to stay safe from motor vehicle accidents.
Of course, motor vehicle accidents aren’t the only threat for Pennsylvania drivers. The Allstate survey indicated that the average driver in the state experiences a disabled vehicle at least three times, and one in five drivers in the country has been stranded in their car for longer than two hours.
Combining being stranded with the state’s cold winter weather could be a recipe for disaster. To help prevent being stranded on the side of the road during holiday travel, it is recommended that drivers check the following things before they depart:
Tires. Make sure that your tires are filled up and that you have a spare, just in case.
Battery. If you notice that your car takes a little extra time to start, get your battery checked out before a long trip.
Gas. Make sure to fill up while you can, especially if traveling on rural roads.
Cellphones. Make sure your cellphone battery is charged. Although you should never use your phone while driving, it could save your life if you become stranded.
Detours. You may be traveling to places you only visit once or twice a year, so be sure to check for road closures and detours before you leave.
Finally, it’s always important to drive cautiously and within the speed limit, especially if there are winter weather elements present. Keep these tips in mind for a safe and happy holiday season!
Source: Daily Times, “Travelogue: Make your holiday travel a little safer,” Jeff Wolfe, Nov. 13, 2011.