During the holiday season, thousands of families throughout Atlanta travel to visit with friends and family. This year, AAA estimates that over 50 million people will travel more than 50 miles for Thanksgiving, alone. Whether you are taking a family vacation or heading out to shop for Christmas, consider the following safety tips that can help you avoid a car accident.
Driver Safety Tips For The Holidays
Before heading out on a long-distance trip, it’s important to have your vehicle reviewed by a professional mechanic to ensure that it’s in good condition considering brakes, tires, and headlights. Although vehicle inspections are not required by law in the State of Georgia, you can still visit your local mechanic to have your car checked out.
Check The Weather Ahead of Time
Checking the weather is also important to see whether you may be driving into some kind of storm. Snow is not a common association with winter in Atlanta, but that doesn’t mean the region is completely safe from potential ice storms as witnessed in 2014. Checking the weather ahead of a road trip and packing equipment like sand, blankets, and extra gas containers puts you in a position of control should you find yourself stuck in traffic or in a ditch.
Emergency Supplies
Beyond blankets and extra gas containers, it’s also important to make sure that you pack additional cell phone chargers in case you find yourself in a situation that requires emergency road assistance. You may also want to consider subscribing to AAA so that you have someone to call in case of an accident. Packing flashlights that are equipped with new batteries, nonperishable food, and water bottles are also a good idea if you are forced to wait several hours before help arrives.
Plan Your Route Ahead of Your Trip
Although most people use some type of GPS device when traveling, it’s never a bad idea to track your route ahead of a long-distance trip. Mapping out your route can help reduce stress and prevent you from missing an important exit. Also, if you are traveling with kids in the vehicle, you’ll definitely want to pack enough toys and items that keep their attention occupied. Frustrated and fussy kids can easily distract you from other vehicles on the road and potential accident risk factors.
Contact AICA Atlanta If You Do Experience An Accident
If you are someone you know does experience a car accident, contact our Atlanta Chiropractors right away for an examination. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can provide treatment that protects your long-term health, while also alleviating immediate pain. Just dial (404) 889-8828 to speak with one of our friendly staff members about your needs.