7 Holiday Car Travel Tips from Walker Texas Lawyer
If you’re planning a Christmas road trip with your family, you’ll want to start checking off this safety list at least a few days before you hit the open road. Walker Texas Lawyer has some helpful hints that can help make that journey to grandma’s house smoother.
1. Have Your Vehicle Checked Out
For a smoother travel experience (and overall sanity), make sure your car or SUV is in good working condition. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that you have your tires, battery, belts and fluids, checked by a qualified mechanic. If you’re driving in a cold climate or towing a trailer, consult a qualified mechanic about the types of fluids your vehicle may require, including a specific type of oil.
2. Make Safety a Priority
Always wear your seatbelt. Be sure your passengers use their seat buckle and always pack an emergency kit.
The kit should include:
- – Water
- – First-Aid Kit
- – Fully Charged Cell Phone
- – Flashlight
- – Warm Blankets
- – Jumper Cables
- – Flares
- – Tools for Tire Change OR a Roadside Assistance Membership
3. Be a Well Rested Driver
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driving while sleepy is a factor in more than 100k accidents each year. Drive only when well rested, and make sure you get plenty of rest before taking a long road trip!  If possible, also considered switching off with another adult every few hours or so.
National Sleep Foundation’s Countermeasures to Prevent Fall-Asleep Crashes. Get a good night’s sleep before you hit the road. Don’t be too rushed to arrive at your destination. Use the buddy system.
National Sleep Foundation’s Countermeasures to Prevent Fall-Asleep Crashes
- Get a good night’s sleep before you hit the road. You’ll want to be alert for the drive, so be sure to get adequate sleep (seven to nine hours) the night before you go.
- Don’t be too rushed to arrive at your destination. Many drivers try to maximize the holiday weekend by driving at night or without stopping for breaks. It’s better to allow the time to drive alert and arrive alive.
- Use the buddy system. Just as you should not swim alone, avoid driving alone for long distances. A buddy who remains awake for the journey can take a turn behind the wheel and help identify the warning signs of fatigue.
- Take a break every 100 miles or 2 hours. Do something to refresh yourself like getting a snack, switching drivers, or going for a run.
- Take a nap‚ find a safe place to take a 15 to 20-minute nap, if you think you might fall asleep. Be cautious about excessive drowsiness after waking up.
- Avoid alcohol and medications that cause drowsiness as a side-effect.
- Avoid driving at times when you would normally be asleep.
4. Don’t TEXT and DRIVE
Texting and Driving in the state of Texas is now illegal. Texting and Driving anywhere is also stupid! Driving a car, specifically on a long road, is difficult enough. Don’t complicate the process by trying to navigate the road and your smartphone. Put down the cell phone, and only use it in the event of an emergency, but never text and drive. Even if you’re using a hands free bluetooth, talking on the phone is still distracting. Ignore calls and texts until you are at a rest stop and not behind the wheel of your car. Save a life, don’t text and drive!
5. Prepare Your Car for Children
Chances are if you’re traveling this holiday season in a car or more commonly used SUV, there will be children joining you on your journey. Check the back seat, additional third-row and cargo areas for poisonous materials like washer fluid or oil. Look for potential choking hazards caught between your seats. Make sure child safety locks are engaged on doors and windows. And finally, check to make sure car seats/booster seats are properly installed. Call 866-SEAT-CHECK to find a nearby location for a free safety seat inspection.
6. Take Breaks from the Road
Every few hours find a rest stop, switch drivers, stop for a drink of water or take a bathroom break.  Long road trips require a little reset, it helps keep you alert and your family safer as a result.
- take regular breaks ‚ you should stop for at least 15 minutes every two hours.
- share the driving if you can.
- use rest areas, tourist spots and driver reviver stops.
- stop and rest as soon as you feel tired.
- never drive for more than 10 hours in a single day.
- get plenty of fresh air.
7. Be Smart
Use commonsense behind the wheel. Don’t speed, don’t follow other drivers too closely, don’t get caught up in holiday road rage, use your signals when turning or changing lanes, and just be courteous to other drivers.
Finally, if you’re hitting the road this holiday season, have fun and be safe. If you ever need us, learn more about what the Walker Law Firm does by clicking here.
In the event that you or a loved one are injured on the road this holiday season, as a result of someone else’s carelessness on the road, Walker Texas Lawyer will help. Contact the Walker Law Firm at (713) 552-1117.
The Walker Law Firm is Houston’s Top Personal Injury Law Firm. They specialize in helping those that have been injured in a car accident. As well as those involved in collision with a Big Rig Truck, or injured in a motorcycle accident. They also support those in aviation accidents, injured on a fork lift, or injured in an industrial accident. Please call us today to receive your free case review.
Attorney James S. Walker has dedicated his life to fighting on behalf of over 25,000 clients. He has witnessed first hand the peace that comes with justice. Attorney James S. Walker is a personal injury lawyer located in Houston, Texas. Inside Houston Magazine ranks Attorney Walker as one of the top lawyers in Houston. Walker and Hunter P.C. was voted Law Firm of the Year.
