According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), the total number of car accidents in 2017 is 120, 993. Out of this total, over 525 crashes were considered as fatal, and almost 2, 000 people were affected with severe injuries.
Traffic accidents can affect anyone— from children to adults. As a driver, you can be very careful on the road, but you can’t say the same for others who are traveling the same road as you. Just this year, an SUV collided with a school bus in Covington, Washington. The collision was so severe, the bus was momentarily lifted into the air before landing on the side of the road. Seven students from the bus had minor injuries, while two of the SUV passengers were critically injured.
Car crash attorneys in Kent and other cities in Washington are always ready to handle any traffic accident that calls for legal action. However, before it even gets there, each one who owns a license must do their part in maintaining the city’s road safety.
Now that the holidays are coming, traffic is expected to worsen. More people will be out to go from point A to point B, meaning more cars will be out to compete for space on the road. Because of the holiday celebrations, people will be out until after midnight.
Be a responsible driver. Here are some other ways for you to stay safe on the road this holiday season:
1. Do not drink and drive.
This is the most cliché advice when it comes to staying safe on the road, but it’s a cliché for a reason. In the US, 29 people die every single day because of alcohol-impaired driving. That means one person dies every 50 minutes.
Understandably, there will be alcohol in the festivities whether you’re off to visit a relative in another city or you’re expected to come over to a friend’s house for dinner. No matter the distance, it’s better to keep your hands off the bottle of wine. If you don’t want to miss out on the fun, the better option is to stay over for the night. Go home in the morning after filling yourself with carbs for breakfast.
2. Be ready for any emergency.
It’s tricky to drive during winter. It means heavy traffic and slippery roads. You can’t be certain on what’s about to come, so better come prepared. Keep an emergency kit inside your car. Make sure you have a flashlight, first aid kit, clothes, blanket, food, and water.
Before traveling, check your tires and heating systems. Make sure you changed your oil as scheduled. Since you know your car better than anyone else, observe if your car can manage to take the trip.
3. Take extra precautions while driving at night.
Despite the Christmas lights all around the city, nights are darker in winter. Surely, holiday parties are bound to end at past midnight. Drive slower and leave a larger gap between your car and the car in front of you compared to the space you leave in the daytime. Do not cut off another vehicle, especially bigger ones, as they could smash into your rear end. Remember that no matter what, you’ll get to your destination.
The holidays are meant to be celebrated with your loved ones. Make sure you arrive safe and sound.
