December 20, 2024 | Personal Injury
Are you traveling this holiday season? If you are leaving, visiting, or similarly moving around Edmond or the greater Oklahoma City region by car, it is imperative that you drive safely. The holiday season often sees busy roads. The number of accidents tends to spike right around the holidays. At McGuire Law Firm, we are strong advocates for roadway safety. Here, our Edmond car accident lawyer offers five tips to stay safe on the roads this holiday season.
- Know Where You are Going Ahead of Time
It is not uncommon for people to travel on unfamiliar roads during the holiday season. One useful step that you can take to stay safe is to carefully plan out where you are going ahead of time. You do not want to be fumbling around with GPS directions while you are trying to navigate busy highway traffic in Edmond or elsewhere in the Oklahoma City region. You can determine the fastest, safest, and most enjoyable way to travel ahead of time. Planning ahead not only helps to save time but also reduces stress. It will allow you to better focus on safe, attentive driving.
- Leave a Little Earlier (Expect Traffic)
The holiday season means more traffic—especially on the busiest travel times, such as Friday afternoons, Saturday mornings, and Sunday evenings. Holiday traffic in Edmond and throughout the Oklahoma City region can be unpredictable—especially so around shopping centers, airports, and major highways. By leaving early, you can give yourself a cushion to account for (expected) delays without feeling rushed. There is strong research that suggests that driving under time pressure increases the risk of accidents. With that in mind, it is best to plan for potential slowdowns due to traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances. Beyond that, traveling earlier in the day can help you avoid peak traffic times and reduce the likelihood of driving at night.
- Be Prepared for Adverse Winter Weather
Oklahoma is not one of the states known for its winter weather. At the same time, winter weather conditions are absolutely a safety risk during the holiday season. According to Climate Data, the average low temperature in Edmond in December is below freezing (28 degrees). Greater Oklahoma City Economic Development reports that the region averages around 7.6 inches of snowfall each year. Winter weather in Oklahoma can make driving hazardous, especially since many people here lack snow tires and have relatively little experience driving in the snow/ice. You need to be prepared for the risk. To stay safe, ensure your vehicle is winter-ready with properly inflated tires, functioning windshield wipers, and a full tank of gas. You should also carry an emergency kit, including blankets, a flashlight, and non-perishable snacks. Finally, make sure you check the weather. If conditions are dangerous due to winter weather, stay off of the roads.
- Limit Your Need to Drive at Night
The rate of motor vehicle collisions rises after the sun sets. Night-time driving means less visibility. In Oklahoma, many holiday celebrations involve outdoor lighting displays and events that can distract drivers after dark. Although it certainly cannot always be avoided, it is a best practice to limit your nighttime driving when possible. If you are going to drive at night, slow down.
- Strictly Avoid Drinking and Driving
The holidays are a time of celebration—but driving under the influence is never acceptable. It puts everyone on the road at risk. In Oklahoma, law enforcement agencies tend to increase patrols during the holiday season to crack down on impaired driving. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair judgment and slow reaction times. You should plan ahead by designating a sober driver, using ride-share services, or arranging overnight accommodations if you plan to drink.
Why Trust Our Edmond, OK, Car Crash Lawyers for a Holiday Season Crash
In the unfortunate event that you are involved in a serious motor vehicle collision this holiday season, you need professional legal representation. Edmond attorneys Kent McGuire and Linda McGuire fight tirelessly to help car accident victims secure the absolute maximum financial compensation. We know how to hold the big insurance companies accountable. You may be entitled to recover compensatory damages for vehicle repairs, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other types of damages.
Get a Free Consultation With a Top-Tier Edmond Car Accident Attorney
At McGuire Law Firm, our Edmond auto accident attorney fights tirelessly to help injured victims secure the maximum financial compensation. Hurt in a motor vehicle crash? We are more than ready to help. Contact us today for your no-cost, no-obligation case review. Our team handles car accident claims in Edmond, Oklahoma County, and throughout the wider Oklahoma City region.