Driving During the Holiday Season

Driving during the holiday season can be stressful, whether attending parties or shopping for the perfect gift. Driving-related stress and frustration can lead to poor driving decisions, but you can reduce the associated risks by planning ahead and having a positive attitude.

Basic Driving Tips

In the last few weeks before the holidays, remember to keep the following driving tips in mind to help keep you and your passengers safe:

• Slow down and drive according to the weather conditions
• Leave plenty of room between you and the next vehicle so you can avoid collisions
• Do not talk or text using your handheld device while driving – it’s unsafe AND against the law!
• Remove all snow and ice from your vehicle before departing

Be Prepared

Planning ahead will give you an added safety advantage and make your holidays more relaxing. Here are some rules to follow before you leave your home:

• Plan your route in advance and check traffic and weather reports
• Do not rush and allow for extra travel time in bad weather
• Have your cell phone fully charged before you leave
• Leave water bottles and non-perishable food in your vehicle in case there is a delay
• If you are attending a party that is serving alcohol, remember to plan a safe way home
• Keep your fuel tank relatively full if you are traveling any distance to ensure you will have enough fuel should you encounter traffic delays

Winterize Your Vehicle

Finding that perfect holiday gift often involves driving from location to location – even from city to city. Before you drive around searching for that perfect gift, it is important to make sure your vehicle is ready for winter. Here are some tips to help prepare your vehicle:

• Improve traction, breaking and handling by installing winter tires as soon as the temperature is below 7°C
• Check that your engine fluids (e.g., engine oil and coolant) can withstand the cold temperatures
• Prepare or purchase an emergency car kit for each vehicle you own
• Keep your windshield fluid topped up and have a snow brush/ice scraper with you at all times

Sometimes, even when you take all precautions, accidents still happen. If you or anyone you know has been in a car accident, our team of experienced Ontario personal injury lawyers can help. We would be pleased to sit down with you in your hometown for a free no obligation consultation to answer any of your questions.