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 Safe Driving Tips for the Holiday Season

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Most of us are looking forward to spending more time with family and friends during this holiday season. These get-togethers might take place in our own communities or at a far-off home of a loved one. Unfortunately, there’s always an uptick in traffic accidents, injuries, and deaths during the holiday season. In fact, according to the National Safety Commission, “Traveling by car has the highest fatality rate of any major form of transportation based on fatalities per passenger mile.” This is likely because there are more drivers on the road, and those drivers may be distracted, in a hurry, driving on unfamiliar roads, or even driving while under the influence.

Whether you’re driving across town or halfway across the country, here are some tips to help you drive safely this holiday season.

Before you leave

Safe holiday driving starts before you even leave your house. If you’re planning a road trip for the holidays, spend a little extra time preparing yourself, your family, and your vehicle before hitting the road. Gas up the car and have it serviced, if necessary, and make sure you have an appropriate vehicle emergency kit. Sign up for weather alerts at your destination and along your route or check the weather online. You may be driving in weather conditions you’re not used to. Also check traffic reports to see what to expect. If you’re using a GPS, program your destination in before you leave. If you’re using an old-school map, review your route before buckling up.

Get a good night’s sleep the night before your trip so you’re not driving drowsy. And no matter how short a distance you’re going, allow plenty of time to reach your destination without rushing. Drive at speeds safe for traffic and road conditions.

Everyone in the vehicle should have their seatbelts buckled, and small children should be strapped into an approved car seat.

On the road

No matter how far your destination, always drive defensively. You can’t control what other drivers do, but if you stay alert and practice defensive driving, you should be able to react more quickly to an emergency. Defensive driving practices include being aware of what is happening around you—frequently check ahead, behind, and in your blind spots. Stay out of others’ blind spots if possible. Don’t follow too closely. Use the three-second rule: Note an inanimate object and count the seconds between when the vehicle ahead of you passes it and you do. A three-second gap enables you to stop in time if the vehicle ahead of you ahead stops suddenly.

Another key to safe driving is to stay focused when you’re behind the wheel. You know you shouldn’t talk or text while driving, but did you know that animated conversations among passengers, listening to or changing the radio station, and eating or drinking can also distract you from your driving? Do your best to keep your full attention on the road.

Never drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs (even some over-the-counter drugs can cause impairment). Designate a driver, or call a taxi or ride share service.

Safe drivers pay less for their auto insurance

Safe driving during the holidays—and all year long—can not only help protect you and your family from danger, it can help you save money on your auto insurance. If you need car insurance, or any other type of insurance, please call your friends at L & M Insurance Group (813-672-4100) or contact us online. L & M Insurance Group is an independent agency located in Riverview, Florida, serving Riverview, Brandon, Tampa, Valrico, and surrounding communities.

We wish you a safe and happy holiday season!

Safe Driving Tips for Rainy Days

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Safe Driving Tips by L & M Insurance

In the South, over 90 percent of weather-related crashes occur on wet pavement, according to the Federal Highway Administration. We here in the Brandon and Riverview area are certainly familiar with navigating frequent summer storms, so L & M Insurance Group would like to offer a few tips to keep you driving safely when it’s raining or the roads are wet.

  • Rain makes it harder to see and be seen, and it makes the road slippery, so keep your windshield wipers, tires, and lights (headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals) in good repair.
  • Turn on your headlights when it’s raining. This is the law, but it’s also common sense. Your headlights not only help you see, they help other drivers see you. Even though many cars have daytime running lights, turning on your headlights also turns on your taillights, so drivers behind you will be able to see you better. Don’t turn on your high beams, however, as they can cause distracting and dangerous reflections.

Did you know—it’s illegal to drive with your emergency flashers on? Flashers are to be used only when a vehicle is stopped or disabled. If you feel the visibility is so poor you need to turn on your flashers to be seen, you should safely pull off the road as far as you can, and wait out the storm. (And yes, now you can turn on your emergency flashers.)

 

  • Don’t use cruise control. Under slippery circumstances, you want to be completely focused on your driving. Plus, if you need to slow down quickly, you can ease your foot off the gas, which is safer in wet conditions than braking. Since cruise control aims to keep your vehicle traveling at a set speed, it might even accelerate at a time you should be slowing down.
  • Slow down and allow more space between you and the vehicle ahead of you. It takes longer to stop in wet weather, so allow yourself the time and space to react to the unexpected. Also give yourself extra time to get to your destination when it’s raining or conditions are wet so you won’t be tempted to drive too fast. Remember, all it takes is 1/12th of an inch of water and a speed of at least 35 MPH to be at risk for hydroplaning (when a layer of water builds up between the tires of your vehicle and the road, leading to loss of traction).
  • Steer and brake gently. If you start to skid, ease off the gas pedal and gently steer the vehicle in the direction you want to go.
  • Don’t drive through large puddles or standing water. If water is deeper than the bottom of your door, you could seriously damage your car. And never drive through moving water unless you can easily see the ground through it. Your car—and you—could be swept away.
  • Take extra care on wet days that follow a dry spell. Oil and grime deposits on the road can mix with the rain to make things extra slick for the first few hours after rain begins falling again.

We likely have at least a few more weeks of wet driving conditions, so please stay safe out there!

FYI, for information on safe driving, consider taking the National Safety Council’s defensive driving course. You may be eligible for a discount on your auto insurance. Be sure to check with your L & M Insurance Group agent at 813-672-4100 to see if you qualify.