Winter Road Trips: What You Need To Know!

You may be in the beginning stages of planning a road trip to a holiday
festival, or perhaps to a favorite winter vacation destination, or just
a long drive to Aunt Betty’s to celebrate the season. In addition
to the several safe winter driving posts we are sharing, the attorneys
at Wagner Reese invite you to add these winter road trip tips to your
reading list.

  • Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained this winter but also before
    any long driving trips. This means heading in for an official inspection
    that includes an evaluation of the brake system, exhaust system, heating
    and cooling system. While malfunctions in the exhaust or heating and cooling
    system can result in injury or death due to carbon monoxide poisoning
    or weather exposure, a problem with the brake system can pose a lethal
    threat to everyone on the road. Check those tires for the correct pressure,
    windshield wipers, and your battery as well.
  • Stay updated on all the traffic and road construction happening across
    the state by mapping your route in advance. The Indiana Department of
    Transportation says there are roughly more than 1,000 road and bridge
    preservation projects, major new construction projects, and local projects
    happening right now. It helps to leave a bit earlier, plan a reroute,
    and know what you are headed into.
  • The last thing you should be doing is spending time on your phone while
    behind the wheel, especially since distracted driving remains a major
    culprit behind
    crashes and thousands of
    Indiana car accidents every year, some fatal. In fact, reading just one text message will keep
    your eyes off the road for an average of five seconds, enough time to
    run a traffic sign or not see a deer crossing the road.
  • Avoid drinking and driving. As you break for lunch or dinner, don’t
    be tempted to order an alcoholic beverage with your meal. It doesn’t
    take a lot for the effects of alcohol to impact decision making skills.
    In fact, a standard drink is equal to 14.0 grams (0.6 ounces) of pure alcohol.
  • Stay buckled up and take the time to make sure your children are fastened
    correctly in the right child-sized seat.
  • Don’t be a drowsy driver. Before the start of a long car trip, get
    a good night’s sleep, or you could put your entire family and others at risk.
  • Have a winter emergency kit added to your trunk space with things like
    a blanket, extra hat and gloves, water and snacks, an extra ice scraper,
    a flashlight, jumper cables, flares, a first aid kit and a shovel that
    could save you if your vehicle is stuck.
  • Check for any recalls your vehicle may have and get it in to be serviced. Use the
    NHTSA site and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

By prepping before your holiday road-trip, you can avoid any stressors
caused by travel and enjoy the drive to your destination.

Reduce Your Accident Risk This Winter

During the winter months especially, we want to help make your drive a
smooth one, so you can arrive at your destination safely and without incident.
As we continue to post about winter driving topics here on the blog, we
will also be sharing them on our
Facebook page and invite you to stay connected with us.

If tragedy strikes and you or someone you love is injured in a winter driving
accident, please call the
vehicular accident attorneys at Wagner Reese for a completely free consultation. We will put our decades
of experience to work for you, and we won’t collect any fees unless
your case is settled or won. Call today: (888) 204-8440.