The holidays bring many joys- family traditions, delicious food and most importantly, the cherished company of family and friends. While we get so wrapped up in the process of gift shopping, time in the kitchen and organizing holiday arrangements, we sometimes fail to consider driving safety around this chaotic time.
Although we don’t like to think about it, driving safety is a legitimate concern around the holidays. A study conducted by the National Safety Council revealed that the holiday season costs us nearly 700 lives on U.S roads as well as 37,200 injuries from car accidents.
With people rushing to complete last-minute errands, trying to arrive on time and driving after a couple alcoholic beverages, the roads become a dangerous place.
At Cariati Law, we want to ensure the utmost safety among all Ontario residents. Many lives are lost each year due to motor vehicle accidents during the holidays. Help reduce holiday car accidents by following these safety tips:
- Drive protected. You should always put on your seat-belt the second you get in your car. Make sure all children are in the proper safety seats that are aligned to their age, height and weight
- Drive sober. Even if you only had one drink, this can negatively alter your capabilities behind the wheel. Designate a sober friend in advance or arrange an alternative transportation, such as a cab, Uber or Lyft.
- Drive alert. If you are in the least bit tired, pull over and take a short nap. Alternate drivers if there are other occupants in the vehicle.
- Drive attentively. Under no circumstances should a cellphone be used while driving. If you need GPS directions, have the passenger navigate the way or pull over to figure out your directions.
- Don’t Text & Drive. Wait until you have reached your destination to look at your mobile device to check emails, view texts or communicate with anyone. By taking your eyes off the road for just a moment to view your cell phone, you could cause a serious accident, which could take another persons life. It is NOT worth it.
By keeping these basic tips in mind could make all the difference in a happy, healthy and safe new year for you and your family.
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It doesn’t matter where you are going when you get behind the wheel. What matters is the safety of you, the occupants in your vehicle, and the surrounding motorist on the road. We tend to get overwhelmed out in the excitement of the holiday and drive irresponsibly as a result, but at the end of the day, it is our safety and well-being that should remain the highest priority.
Please keep these safety tips in mind this holiday season.
Happy holidays!
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