The holidays are rapidly approaching, which means many people will be hitting the road. As the amount of travelers increases, so does the risk of serious car accidents. If you will be driving to visit relatives, friends or to a vacation destination, there are some things you can do to keep you and your family safe.
- Wear your seatbelt. Not only is wearing a seatbelt the law, it can also save your life. Countless lives are lost every year, because people do not take the time to buckle up. In 2008, 2,983 people were killed in car accidents in Florida – 1,085 of the individuals killed were not wearing seatbelts.
- Bring your cell phone. You need to have your cell phone with you and fully charged during your travels. If you are in a car accident or if your car breaks down, you need to be able to call for help.
- Properly restrain your children. Parents often make the mistake of assuming their children are old enough or big enough to use a regular seat belt. Children under 4’9” need to be in a booster seat.
- Don’t speed. Even if you are late for Christmas at Grandma’s house, avoid speeding. You will have plenty of time to enjoy Family gatherings, so there is no reason to put yourself in danger.
- Don’t drink and drive. Drinking and driving is never a good idea. Designate a driver if you are attending holiday parties and if necessary, call a cab.
By following these safety tips and driving cautiously over the holidays, you can reduce your risk of being involved in an auto accident.
For information regarding the rights of accident victims who have been injured in Central Florida car accidents, contact an experienced Tampa car accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Lilly, O’Toole & Brown, LLP at (863) 533-5525.
Also, be sure to download our Auto Accidents – What To Do & What Not To Do brochure.