Four Things You Need to Do to Keep Your Family Safe on the Road this Holiday

Are you among the thousands of people who are planning to travel this holiday season? As many Americans are facing financial challenges, more people are forgoing airfare and are hitting the highway. What does that mean for you and your family? It means that you need to take extra precaution to ensure a safe trip. Below are four travel safety tips that will help reduce your chances of being seriously injured in a New York car accident.

1. Buckle up. Not only is wearing your seatbelt the law, (New York is a primary enforcement state and you could be fined up to $100), but it is also something that can save your life. Every year, there are thousands of reported car accident fatalities among people not wearing seatbelts.

2. Check the road conditions. You need to be alert to any possible snowstorms and icy road conditions. Driving on slick pavement can increase your odds of being involved in an auto accident.

3. Make sure your car is ready for winter. Your car needs to be winterized. Before you begin your travels, take your vehicle to the mechanic to have your oil level, tire pressure, windshield wipers, defroster, brakes antifreeze and heater checked.

4. Do not drive if you are intoxicated. Despite the known dangers of drinking and driving, there are still thousands of deaths caused by drunk driving accidents. Holiday parties usually provide plenty of alcohol. If you are driving, forgo the alcoholic beverages. If you do plan to drink, make sure there is a designated driver and call a cab if needed.

You can keep you and your family safe by taking these extra precautions this holiday season.

The Manhattan accident attorneys at the law firm of Rappaport, Glass, Greene and Levine represent car accident and motorcycle accident cases in Manhattan, Long Island and throughout New York. If you have been injured in a New York auto accident, contact us today at 800.734.9445.