The holidays are finally here. Which means that plans of travel and road trips might be dancing in your head. And as you make plans on how to get to Grandma’s house or other destinations, our Phoenix car accident attorneys want to share a few travel tips to help keep you and your loved one safe and sound.
Travel Trips for Leaving Phoenix for the Holidays
The Arizona Department of Transportation (AZDOT) has released information that states that the nearly all crashes and traffic fatalities on all roadways stems from driver behavior. In an effort to help combat avoidable collisions, AZDOT recently installed 26 new traffic signs along I-17 to stop impaired / wrong-way drivers from causing a potentially fatal crash.
An independent GPS tacking company (Teletrac Navman) seems to back up the potential dangers found on the freeway by naming I-17 the nation’s 4th most deadly highway, with it’s most dangerous section to be located inside Phoenix’s city limits. Saturdays were also found to be to highest for deadly car accidents.
The tracking company came to this conclusions after compiling data retrieved from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that states there were 49 fatalities on I-17 within Phoenix city limits from 2011-2015.
Teletrac’s three most common reasons for fatalities on I-17 include:
- Vehicle collisions
- Rollovers
- Pedestrinas
During that same time-frame (2013 -2015), another study by The Arizona Republic found that the deadliest sections on I-17 were Greenway Road and Bell Road (five wrecks in one mile) and Happy Valley Road to Loop 303 (eight wrecks in four miles).
Despite the potential dangers that seem to lurk around I-17 and other freeways throughout Arizona, you can take steps the following precautions to help reduce your chances of being involved in a serious car accident in Phoenix and other cities.
Keep the Kids Busy. The best way to travel with kids is to keep them occupied. Otherwise, your little ones will make all sorts of noise and likely prove to be a distraction while you are behind the wheel. Give the kids something to do during the trip to Grandma’s. Bring video games, books, movies and music to keep your kids occupied.
Do Your Research. If you anticipate traffic will be bad, prepare accordingly. Plan one or several different alternative routes. This way, if traffic gets too heavy you will have another route that proves quicker and safer. Always opt for a more scenic drive that provides more eye candy for your family than the shorter route that is loaded with traffic. The last thing you need is for a collision to put a damper on your holiday vacation.
Information is Your Friend. Take a look at the news and weather before heading out for the holidays. Take advantage of travel apps to facilitate your trip, whether it is on the road or in the air. As an example, the GasBuddy app will prove quite helpful in finding the cheapest gas along your route and ensure that you don’t run out of fuel if stuck in long traffic.
Leave Early. The road is that much safer when there are few vehicles. Embark for your destination early so you can avoid the traffic jams and potential accidents. You will enjoy better visibility, a faster driving time and fewer distractions when traffic is light.
Buckle Up. Everyone in the vehicle should wear a seatbelt without exception; in the state of Arizona it’s a law. Do not accept any excuse from your kids when it comes to buckling up. A seatbelt is especially important during the holidays as the roads are chock full of vehicles and distracted drivers. Make sure everyone in your vehicle buckles up before you press the gas pedal.
Eliminate the Distractions. You have a lot on your mind during the holidays. From presents to food, visiting with family and beyond, there is a lot to think about. Your focus might not be completely on driving. Make a concerted effort to cut out all potential distractions and stay alert. Put your phone on silent and place it in a cup holder or other area that is out of reach. Only use your phone after you have pulled over to the side of the street and put your vehicle in park.
Our Phoenix car Accident Attorneys are on Your Side
If you are injured in an auto accident during the holidays or any other time of the year, let our Phoenix car accident attorneys help. Call us today at (602) 977-1900 to schedule a free initial consultation. You can also us online through our website’s LiveChat feature or by submitting a free case review form.
Source: AZ Central