The holidays are quickly approaching, and as most of us know, there will be far more vehicles on the road en route to their holiday destinations. Last year, AAA estimated that more than one-third of Americans would travel for the holiday season, totaling a record-breaking 112.5 million travelers.
In order to ensure that you and your family stay safe during your travels, here are some things to double-check before hitting the road.
Check Vehicle Fluids and Equipment
You don’t want to risk breaking down on the side of the highway, especially in an unfamiliar area. Prior to leaving for your trip, make sure to check:
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Your tires, windshield wipers, and other car parts that may show signs of wear and tear
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Critical fluids, such as oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid; replace or top off, if necessary
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Brakes, turn signals, headlights, and taillights are all working properly
Some maintenance may require a mechanic, so be sure to check these at least a few days before starting your journey.
Plan Ahead of Time
It can be tempting to use your phone while traveling, sorting out holiday plans, and communicating with family. However, keep in mind that more than 1,000 people are injured in car collisions caused by distracted driving; phones are one of the top distractions that lead to these accidents.
Send texts and call family members before starting your journey so you can focus on driving. If you are unfamiliar with the area you are driving through, have your destination plugged into your phone’s GPS already so you don’t have to worry about it while behind the wheel.
Ensure Your Insurance Coverage Is Paid
Before beginning your journey, make sure that your insurance coverage is up-to-date. In the event of a car accident, you want to make sure you are financially covered. Review the fine print of your policy to see how out-of-state accidents may be covered.
If you or a loved one is injured in a car accident while traveling, don’t hesitate to reach out to the injury attorneys at Johnson, Vorhees & Martucci. Insurance claims across state lines can be tricky. Our attorneys are licensed to practice in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma. We can help determine what laws and coverage may apply to your case and fight for your financial recovery.
Contact our firm at (833) 600-0125 to schedule a free consultation.
