The Maine car accident lawyers at Hardy, Wolf & Downing understand that the holiday season is a time for fun, family and all too often, long road trips on snow-covered roadways. Maine drivers know all too well that serious hazards can lurk around every corner, particularly during the colder months. No matter if you are headed to the local tree lighting ceremony or across the state to Grandma and Grandpa’s house, it always pays to heed several time-tested winter driving tips that can help keep you and your family safe and the celebratory mood alive.
Properly equip your vehicle in advance
Prior to embarking on any wintertime travel, it makes good sense to give your vehicle a thorough inspection to ensure that it truly is road worthy in any type of weather condition you may encounter. Make certain that all four tires are properly inflated, have the brakes inspected and top up antifreeze and windshield wiper fluids prior to hitting the road. It is also wise to equip the vehicle with things such as a snow shovel, a bag of road salt or kitty litter, jumper cables, blankets, flashlights and a first-aid kit. Knowing these supplies are at the ready provides true peace of mind when the weather turns fierce.
Maintain schedule flexibility
Once you have taken to the roads, there are several things you can do to greatly reduce the chances of being involved in a serious injury accident. First, it is advisable to allocate sufficient travel time, regardless of your ultimate destination. Maintaining flexibility in terms of arrival and departure times can help you adjust in the event of an unexpected snow squall or ice storm. Preventing yourself from feeling rushed is a great way to avoid unnecessary risk-taking on the highways. It is far better to be late or to reschedule an event entirely than to put your life in jeopardy just to avoid a minor social faux pas.
Be mindful of drivers under the influence
While the holiday season is certainly a wonderful time of revelry and good cheer, it can also be a dangerous time to be on the roads due to the abundance of intoxicated drivers sharing them with you. For that reason, it is important to stay extremely vigilant when it comes to identifying fellow motorists who seem to be swerving or unpredictable in their movements. If you notice a car having trouble staying in its lane or otherwise driving erratically, keep your distance from them and contact the authorities. If you are among those indulging in a few drinks at a holiday party, make certain to enlist the aid of a designated driver you can trust to get you home safely at the end of the night.
React appropriately to changing weather conditions
Drivers in Maine know how treacherous the ice and snow of a New England winter can be. However, it is vital that each of us respond promptly and conscientiously to changing conditions, adjusting our driving styles accordingly. When the flakes begin to fly and black ice begins to form, make certain to reduce your speed, allow greater distance between vehicles and keep all windows as free from snow and icy accumulation as possible. Taking these steps will help ensure that you and your passengers make it to your destination without incident.
How a Maine car accident lawyer help
Following the tips outline above can go a long way toward making this holiday driving season a safe and successful one. However, even the most careful drivers may have the misfortune of being involved in a serious auto accident caused by the negligence of another. Fortunately, the law does provide injury victims the ability to seek full and fair compensation for the harm they have sustained, and the help of a skilled team of attorneys can make all the difference in securing it.
If you or a family member has been involved in an automobile accident, and you are ready to hold the responsible parties accountable, we at Hardy, Wolf and Downing are prepared to offer the aggressive advocacy you need in order to effectively assert your rights. To get on the road to true healing and recovery, contact an experienced Maine head-on collision lawyer with our firm today.