Whether you’re staying around the Massachusetts or Rhode Island area or traveling far, Thanksgiving is a festive day to catch up with family and friends and eat delicious food, but remember that it can be a dangerous time to drive! So many people multitasking and distracted driving, all trying to get to and from their holiday destinations. Here are some Motor Vehicle Safety tips for you to keep in mind.
Tune it up! – Before departing for your Thanksgiving destination, get a tune up; check tire tread and pressure, oil and fluid levels, working lights and windshield wipers, etc..
As always, buckle up for safety – In the majority of accidents, seat belts save lives. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), seat belts reduce serious car accident-related injuries and deaths by about 50%. Adults who live in rural areas are 10% less likely to wear seat belts (78% usage) than adults who live in urban and suburban areas (87% usage). Also, secure your infants and children in properly fitted car seats and booster seats.
Put the distractions away – Distracted driving is the cause of most car accidents. Don’t talk on your cell phone while driving. Worse, don’t text while driving. Both require focus. You can only do one well. Program your GPS prior to leaving or while stopped, never while driving. Ask your passenger to navigate the radio, etc.. One or two seconds of distraction can negatively impact your life and the lives of others.
NEVER drink and drive – Drinking alcohol slows reaction time and impairs judgment and coordination, all skills needed to drive a car safely. The more alcohol consumed, the greater the impairment. Take a cab, Uber, or have a designated sober driver. if need be, stay over night where you are, or at least take some time to completely sober up before driving.
Stay alert on your ride home – Take a break when feeling drowsy. Take advantage of rest stops. Drive defensively and watch out for drunk drivers.
Thanks for reading this and have a safe, Happy Thanksgiving!
The Law Offices of Dussault & Zatir
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