The holidays bring many joys- traditions, reflections, delicious food and most importantly, the cherished company of family and friends. Sometimes we get consumed by gift shopping, time in the kitchen, organizing holiday arrangements and sending out cards, we sometimes fail to consider driving safety during this chaotic time.
We don’t like to think about it, but holiday driving safety is a real concern. A study conducted by the National Safety Council revealed that the holiday season costs nearly 700 lives on U.S roads and 37,200 injuries from car crashes.
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 Fellows Hymowitz Rice, we want your awareness to be heightened this holiday season. Lives are extinguished each December from avoidable car crashes. Here are some safety tips to avoid becoming another statistic:
-Drive protected. 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 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 the least bit tired, pull over and take a short nap. Alternate drivers if there are other occupants in the vehicle.
-Drive attentively. Never use a cellphone 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. Taking your eyes off the road for just a moment to view your cell phone can cause a serious accident or take a life.
Keeping these common tips in mind will make all the difference for 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 other motorists.
The holiday season does not mean that our life issues suddenly disappear. Some of us are joyous, others become sad, others give thanks and others assume that during this time of year we have to feel a certain way. Whether we are happy, indifferent, joyous, sad or somewhere in between, please still drive safely. Be alert! Don’t rush to your destination. Instead, take the time to reflect and give thanks for what is positive in our lives and commit ourselves to improve what may be negative. For those of you who have lost loved ones or overcome tragedy, stay strong and for others who have been blessed with good fortune, give thanks and never forget the less fortunate among us. But when you are behind the wheel, take care of yourself and your own wellbeing by driving safely. Happy Holidays.
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