Many Americans celebrate the holidays by taking road trips to visit out-of-town family. However, this can lead to increased road congestion and a higher chance of experiencing an auto accident. While you shouldn’t allow this to affect your holiday travels, you can avoid a serious mishap by using the following defensive driving techniques this holiday season.

A Guide to Defensive Holiday Driving

1. Plan Your Driving Time Carefully

If you have some flexibility in your schedule, try to avoid the roads at times of maximum traffic congestion. The busiest road times around Christmas are typically right after the workday ends on December 22 or 23 and throughout the day on December 23, 24, and 25.

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are also quite busy driving days. If you can do most of your driving on a different day, overnight, or extremely early in the morning, you may lessen your chance of experiencing an auto accident.

2. Stay Alert

Long drives can make even the best drivers start to lose focus or get tired. Stop and stretch or get a cup of coffee if you feel yourself starting to get sleepy during your trip.

You should also stay completely focused on the road and what’s happening around you to avoid an auto accident. Never eat, use your cellphone, tend to a child, or apply makeup while your hands should be on the wheel.

3. Make Sure Other Cars Can See You

Practice defensive driving by making sure the other drivers on the road can see you at all times. The more visible you are, the less likely you are to experience an auto accident that was caused by another driver’s inability to see your car.

Make sure all your lights and signals are in working condition before you embark on your trip. Always use your turn signals, headlights, and brake lights when appropriate. You should also avoid blind spots, especially those next to another car that might choose to change lanes.

If you do get into an auto accident during the holidays, get legal help from the experts at Crandall & Katt, Attorneys at Law in Roanoke, VA. These skilled lawyers have more than 100 years of combined experience in the personal injury field. Learn more about the practice online or call (540) 342-2000 to schedule a free initial consultation.