If you are going to grandmother’s house or just trying to make it to the mall for some necessary shopping, it’s a good idea to take precautions to avoid the holiday hassle of an accident.
Heavy traffic, drivers distracted with holiday plans and winter weather come together in the month of December to make one of the highest months for traffic accidents. But with the proper amount of preparation, preventative driving measures and an eye on the weather report, drivers can safeguard themselves and their cars during the winter season.
The professionals on holiday driving accidents, CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts in Columbia, repair plenty of vehicles every year battered by snowy, icy accidents. We offer drivers some helpful tips to make holiday driving safer.Don't Forget To:
• Check your roads: Look out for undesirable road conditions beforehand to stay aware of any delays
• Be in touch: Bring a mobile phone in case you have an emergency
• Keep the Jingle Bells Turned Down: Lessen distractions like loud music
• Don’t invite theft: Leaving your gifts in the back seat is like leaving cookies and milk for Santa. Lock them in the trunk of your car to prevent break-ins
• Take breaks: Take breaks or even a quick nap at a rest stop if you're traveling a long distance
• Protect yourself: Wear a seatbelt regardless of how short or long your trip
• Never Text and Drive: Texting and driving can harm you and your family, not to mention other drivers. Keep your phone stashed away for emergencies. If you really need to send a message, safely pull to the side first
Check Your Visibility:
• Fill the fluids: Keep de-icer in your windshield wiper fluid
• Update your windshield wipers: Keep your windshield wipers free of ice before going out on the road and think about updating with new flexible windshield wipers before the snow hits your area
• Keep your visibility in check: Make sure all of the mirrors on your vehicle are clear and appropriately adjusted for your height
• Look at your lights: Clean any hazed headlights and check the bulbs in all of your vehicle's lights, both front and back
Slow Down and Stay Back:
• Keep alert of any holiday revelers: There is a possibility that some drivers may consume a couple beverages before going out on the roads. Be alert and watch other drivers in case they start to swerve
• Be slow: When there's snowfall or ice, drop your speed ten to twenty miles per hour under the speed limit
• Leave some space: Have at least two or three car lengths between your car or truck and the car or truck ahead of you
• Use cruise with extreme caution: Don't use cruise control on any roads that are icy• Stay alert to the surface: When on bridges, overpasses, and infrequently travelled roads, be alert! These may be slick from ice and use even more caution when driving on one-lane roads
Be Prepared for a Snow Day:
• Weigh it out: If your automobile has rear wheel drive, keep bags of sand, litter or bricks on hand to help keep your vehicle easier to control
• Stock up on supplies: Keep a snow day kit packed just in case you get stuck. Important items that you're going to want to have include a blanket, gloves, hat, water, granola bars, flashlight and extra batteries, extra cell phone battery, flares, compass, scissors, rope, wooden patches in waterproof container and first aid kit.
• Take your tools: Prepare a box of tools for digging your car or truck out with a collapsible shovel, 2x4 planks to put under your tires, ice scraper and snow brush, reflective triangles, flares and exterior windshield cleaner
If a holiday accident does take place, we recommend having a collision plan put in place so you are not stuck on the wayside waiting for assistance. CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts at Charlie's Columbia CARSTAR offer high-quality, reliable repair service in your area. Just call 618-281-2886 when you have an accident and they'll send you a tow truck, call your insurance company, get you a rental car and, of course, repair your vehicle.