J. Gonzalez Law Firm promotes safe holiday driving tips

It’s a tragic fact that Texas highways are not particularly safe during the holiday season. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Texas has had the greatest number of holiday season fatal car crashes for the last five years in a row.

Texas is also one of five states in which fatal holiday car accidents were more likely to involve drunk or impaired driving than the other 45 states. It is reported that on average, one person in Texas dies every eight hours due to a drunk driver.

The J. Gonzalez Law Firm wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, but most of all wants you to keep safety in mind when you’re on the road for the holidays.

Here are J. Gonzalez’s Top 10 Tips for staying safe while holiday driving:

• Don’t drink and drive. If there will be drinking at your holiday get-together, choose a designated driver who will remain alcohol free.
• Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained, in good shape for travel, and ready for winter driving conditions.
• Plan your route out ahead of time if possible, and don’t forget to include projected weather conditions.
• Make sure you and your passengers are properly restrained in seat belts and car safety seats. Every driver and every passenger must wear a seat belt under Texas law.
• Get a good night’s sleep the night before, take regular breaks, and share the driving if possible. If you are tired, pull off the road to a rest area.
• Have a cell phone and charger with you so it can be used in case of an emergency. Keep the contact information for emergency roadside assistance handy.
• Do not text while driving and minimize cell phone use in order to keep your full attention on the road. Utilize a hands-free device if you need to use your cell phone.
• Keep a safe following distance, allowing for ample time to react to the traffic around you. If someone is tailgating you, allow them to pass. Don’t try to compete with impatient and aggressive drivers.
• Watch your speed. Adapt your speed to road conditions and don’t drive over the speed limit. Give yourself plenty of time to get to where you are going so you are not in a rush.
• Remain calm. If you feel stressed or irritable, take some deep breaths and stay calm. Don’t drive with road rage – This compromises the safety of yourself and the people around you.

Call J. Gonzalez if you’re in an accident

Another tragic fact is that even the safest drivers can be involved in a car accident, because of someone else’s carelessness or negligence. If that happens to you, call the personal injury experts at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm right away. We will handle the litigation for you while you focus on your recovery. We’ll also get you the greatest possible compensation that you need and deserve! Call us today at 1-800-CAR-CRASH!

Source: https://www.krgv.com/news/holiday-drunk-driving-campaign-continues