Tips for Safe Driving This Holiday Season

This time of year should bring us all lots of cheer, including festive parties to attend and friends and family to see. Unfortunately, alcohol can play a leading role on the roadways during these next few weeks. Throw a snowstorm in the mix and driving to and from your celebrations can take a treacherous turn. Inexperienced and elderly drivers may also have a more challenging time navigating through the snowy streets.

Last year in Massachusetts, 108 people were killed in car accidents where the driver had a blood alcohol concentration (or BAC) of more than .08. There were an additional 130 fatalities in car accidents across the state where the driver had a BAC of over .01. In the U.S. in 2009, there were approximately 600 fatal car accidents resulting from either snow or sleet. 

There were 77 people killed in Massachusetts car accidents last year, who ranged in age from 16 to 24, while 25 elderly drivers aged 74 and older died in fatal accidents in the Commonwealth the same year.

Now that the first snow has fallen in Massachusetts, it’s time to go over some tips on staying safe on the wintry roads during this holiday season.

• Be sure to check your car’s fluid levels (windshield washer fluid, anti-freeze)
• Clear your car of snow and ice as much as possible to prevent snow from flying off onto other cars
• Keep your windshield wipers completely cleared of snow and ice
• Try to keep your gas tank half-full during this season to account for heavy traffic delays
• If there are winter road advisories and you don’t have to go anywhere, try to just stay home
• Allow more space between your car and the car in front of you than you would under normal conditions
• Give yourself more time to come to a safe and complete stop on slippery roads
• Posted speed limits are for dry conditions only, not for snowy and icy conditions, so take it slow
• Bridges freeze quicker than other roadways, so take extra care
• Be aware of black ice
• Make sure your cell phone is charged with each trip or have a cell phone charger for your car
• Put together an emergency kit to keep in your car. This should include jumper cables, a spare tire, a shovel, flashlight, a heavy blanket, an ice scraper, and flares to warn other drivers
• Always choose a designated driver before your night begins

With these in mind, you should be well on your way to having a very merry holiday season.

Happy Holidays!

When to Contact a Massachusetts Car Accidents Lawyer
If you’ve been in a car accident during the holidays in Massachusetts due to someone else's recklessness, BEFORE you sign any forms, talk to the insurance company or hire any lawyer, get this free Massachusetts accidents book to learn how to avoid making the 7 fatal mistakes after an accident.

Contact the Boston personal injury law firm the Kiley Law Group to find out about your legal options.

Our car accident lawyers have 30 years of experience and successful track record of obtaining seven figure wins for our clients in auto accident cases, medical malpractice, child birth injuries, brain injuries, and other personal injury cases.  Call 800-410-2769 to receive a free legal consultation.

And while the call is free, the information may be priceless.