The holiday season is the busiest time of year. As a result, the roads become crowded with shoppers heading out in search of the perfect gifts, families traveling to spend time with loved ones, and party-goers making their way from one festive celebration to the next. Unfortunately, increased traffic means a greater chance of being involved in an accident, resulting in an auto insurance claim. Here are a few precautions you can take to navigate through the holiday chaos and reach your destination without incident.   

Your Guide to Safe Driving During the Holiday Season

1. Reduce Your Speed 

When there are more cars on the road than usual, it’s essential to adjust your speed accordingly. You may be tempted to drive faster to avoid delays, but higher speeds, combined with poor weather conditions, make it easier for a crash to happen, resulting in an auto insurance claim. Instead, plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to get where you need to go without speeding.  

2. Eliminate Distractions

If the roads are congested, it’s vital to keep your focus solely on the road. Even at slower speeds, it’s dangerous to avert your attention for any length of time. When you’re behind the wheel, avoid all distractions, including cell phone use, eating, adjusting the radio, and setting your navigation system. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents and auto insurance claims.

3. Use Your Turn Signals 

While you should always be using your signals when merging into traffic, making a turn, or changing lanes, it’s particularly imperative to indicate what move you’re planning to make when there are several other drivers around. Letting them know what you’re doing will give them time to react appropriately and significantly reduce the risk of an accident. 

4. Drive Defensively 

Keep in mind that no matter how careful a driver you may be, it doesn’t mean everyone else on the road is cautious. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings so you have a better chance of predicting reckless actions from other motorists and can get out of the way in time. Also, be on the lookout for drivers who seem intoxicated, as drunk driving tends to be a bigger problem over the holiday season.

Because the potential for getting into a traffic collision rises during the holidays, now is the ideal time to make sure you have sufficient auto insurance. A professional from High Rock Insurance Agency in Davidson County, NC, can help. They review your current policy to determine if you lack protection in any area and they make themselves available 24/7 to meet your insurance needs. Call (336) 236-9022 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to view their auto insurance services. .