Spring holidays like Easter and Passover present the opportunity for families and friends to gather together. This means that roads, highways, and turnpikes may experience more traffic than usual during these celebratory periods.
If you plan to drive this Easter, you may want to take precautions to ensure safer traveling. Below are some best practices to help reduce the chances of being involved in a springtime car accident.
Prepare for Unexpected Winter Weather
Easter is considered a spring holiday, but spring weather in Delaware and the surrounding states can change from warm and mild to cold and icy quickly. Fog also can become a factor, especially when temperatures fluctuate significantly from day to day.
Even if the forecast calls for blue skies and a mild day, check your weather app before heading to any destination. You may be surprised to see a band of rain or even sleet. It is much better to know what you may encounter so you can prepare to drive defensively or stop to avoid the worst of a storm.
Give Yourself Lots of Time
You can be sure that plenty of other travelers will take advantage of the Easter weekend to visit loved ones, go on errands, or take a short weekend vacation. Knowing this, give yourself enough time to get to wherever you intend to go and allow for extra traffic.
If you leave late, expect to arrive late. Never speed or drive aggressively just to get to an Easter celebration. Remaining calm and allowing yourself to move with the general flow of traffic is always better than racing to get somewhere.
Put Away Anything Distracting
Distracted driving remains a top reason for serious and fatal accidents. Although you probably know that texting while driving is a main distraction, other types of activities can interfere with your concentration. These include everything from putting on makeup to eating snacks.
Whenever possible, stow away anything that might distract you, like your smartphone. Or, set it to silent so you are not tempted to reach for it if a call or text comes through. Additionally, make sure you have gotten ready before leaving. As a final note on this topic, always secure your pet companions safely in a travel-approved carrier so they cannot roam around your vehicle.
Watch for Pedestrians and Cyclists
Not everyone you encounter on the road will be driving during the Easter holiday. Some people like to take advantage of spring breaks to walk, run, or ride their bike. This can put them alongside you on roads, especially on rural, residential, or city streets.
If you strike a pedestrian or cyclist with your car, you are likely to be held liable for the event since you were driving. Therefore, be cautious and slow down so everyone stays safer.
Check Your Tires and Windshield Wipers
When was the last time you checked on your tire treads? Do you make sure your tires are inflated properly? Your tires keep your car from skidding off the road. They need to have enough gripping power to ensure that you can make turns securely, especially in wet conditions.
In addition to paying attention to your tires, test out your windshield wipers, too. The last thing you want is to get into a springtime shower and discover that your wipers do not work well.
Avoid Driving If You Have Been Drinking
Sober driving keeps everyone safer. Even if you only plan to have one drink during an Easter dinner or get-together, consider giving your keys to someone else. Alternately, you may want to name another licensed driver in your group as the designated driver for the day.
Being charged with and convicted of drunk driving can lead to serious repercussions for you. Aim to play it safe.
Stay on the Lookout for Animals
The spring months are prime time for animals and their young to come out of the woods in search of food. For instance, you may encounter more deer on the road in late March, April, and May. The same holds true of other smaller creatures like raccoons, groundhogs, squirrels, and possums.
Hitting a deer or even a small animal can cause damage to your car and potential injury to you or your passengers. The best way to avoid hitting an animal is to stay alert for them. Driving at posted speed limits will make certain that you have enough time to react.
Coach New Drivers for Easter Driving
You may have someone in your family such as a teen or young adult who is driving during Easter for the first time. Explain the importance of being alert with your new driver.
Remember that as a more seasoned driver, it is up to you to play the role of a mentor or coach. You may want to go over basic driving instructions and make Easter a time for a quick refresher lesson.
Re-establish Your Safe Car Kit
Maybe you put together an emergency care kit over the winter. If so, it probably included everything from flares and bottled water to a blanket and first aid items. Use Easter as the time to look over your kit. Is there anything that should be replaced, such as energy bars that have expired? Do you want to add anything, such as a bottle of sunscreen in anticipation of summer?
While you freshen up your personal car kit, give your vehicle a cleanup, too. Vacuum the interior and wipe down the windows inside and out. Scrub any debris off headlights and tail lights as well.
What Should You Do If You Get in a Car Crash on Easter?
Police and emergency responders work 24/7, 365 days a year. If you get into a car accident on Easter, call 911 as soon as you can to alert the authorities. Then, wait patiently until help arrives.
After your accident, get any treatment you need. You may want to set up an appointment with your primary care provider, too. Some injuries take a day or two to appear, including traumatic brain injuries and whiplash. If you have trouble with the insurance claims process or feel you need help, think about talking with car accident lawyers about your situation. Car accident lawyers can help you get a better understanding of your rights and legal opportunities.
The Bear Accident Lawyers from Rhoades & Morrow Law Firm Help Injured Holiday Crash Survivors Move Forward with Their Lives
Did an Easter crash leave you with mounting medical bills? Call our Bear, car accident lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow. Set up an appointment at our offices in Wilmington, Bear, or Milford by calling (302) 600-1107. You also can fill out our online form. With offices in all three counties of Delaware, we serve clients throughout the state.
