Easter weekend is a time to get together with family and friends. It is especially fun if there are young children in your family and there will be Easter egg hunts involved. However, the Easter holiday weekend is also big for travel. It seems like everyone is traveling that weekend. The roads and highways in the greater Washington, D.C. area are usually packed with everyone leaving to visit family and friends.
With increased traffic, there are always going to be more car accidents. No matter how safe of a driver you think you are, or no matter how defensive of a driver you are, there is always a chance you will get into a car accident. There are always many dangerous drivers out there who do not necessarily care that they are putting others at risk. These reckless and careless drivers can be anywhere. Listed below are some safety tips you can take if you plan on traveling for Easter.
Keep an Eye on the Weather
Just like whenever you travel, always check the weather. This is especially so during the Easter holiday weekend. Even though winter is over, there is always a chance of bad and dangerous weather. This area often gets sleet and cold weather during mid-April. Even heavy rain and strong winds can cause serious issues for travelers. If it is raining heavily or sleeting, make sure you maintain a safe following distance.
Check Your Tire Pressure
When the weather is cold, the air pressure in your tires can become low. When tire pressure becomes too low, it can affect the safety of your vehicle. Lower tire pressure can lower the ability to stop the vehicle in time and to control your vehicle.
Check Your Vehicle’s Fluids
This is certainly important if there is inclement weather and you have not checked your windshield wiper fluid. If you have ever driven without windshield wiper fluid after rain, you will know that it can be quite difficult to see. If you run out of windshield wiper fluid halfway through the drive, then it could be dangerous because it is difficult to see.
If You Are Traveling a Long Distance, Do it in Stages
If you need to travel a great distance to get to your Easter festivities, there is nothing wrong with breaking it up so that you do not spend hours and hours driving. When people drive for long distances the risk of an accident increases. Drivers tend to get tired and potentially doze off while behind the wheel. Also, there is more of a chance for you to lose concentration and not pay attention to what is on the road in front of you.
In order to prevent this, leave the day before and stay the night in a hotel. If that is not possible to leave the day before, leave early enough so that you can take breaks. Stop several times to get a drink, have some coffee or a soda, or something with caffeine. Spend some time walking around to get the blood flowing through your legs again and do some stretching. All of these things will help keep you mentally and physically sharp for your long drive.
Do Not Forget the Phone Charger
People take their phones for granted these days. Most people have them on them most of the time. Even though they are used a lot for social media and staying connected, a smartphone is still one the best safety devices you can have. If it is out of power and dead, it is no use at all. If there is an emergency, the first thing to do is call for help. Do not forget your phone charger.
Always Have an Emergency Kit in the Car
Having an emergency kit in the vehicle is always a smart thing to do, and not just when you travel far from home for holiday weekends. An emergency kit does not have to be elaborate. However, there are some basic items you should keep in the trunk of your car. Here are some items to include in your emergency kit:
- First aid kid.
- Water bottles.
- Emergency power source, including a powered car charger.
- Tire inflation tool.
- Flashlight.
- Extra food and snacks.
- Extra sweatshirt, socks, hat, and gloves.
- Rain poncho.
- Duct tape.
- Safety flares or safety lights.
- Ice/snow scraper.
- Electrical tape.
Washington DC Car Wreck Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King Help People Seriously Injured in Travel-Related Collisions
If you plan to travel for Easter, make sure you prepare ahead of time and take safety precautions. Unfortunately, you cannot guarantee all motorists will follow the rules of the road. If you have been injured in a collision, speak with one of our Washington DC car wreck lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King. We are here to answer your questions and help you through this difficult time. Call us at 202-331-1963 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more. We have offices in Washington, D.C.; Alexandria, Virginia; and National Harbor, Maryland, and we serve clients throughout Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.
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