The holiday season is a busy time. You may plan to spend long hours on the road, traveling to see family and friends, or perhaps you just plan to attend local holiday gatherings around home. Either way, its important to take the following precautions:

• Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained. Have your car and tires inspected before a long drive. If something happens to your vehicle while youre driving on the busy roads, the results could be catastrophic. Take the extra time to make sure everything is in good condition before you head out for a long trip.
• Completely remove ice and frost from your windows and mirrors before driving. Limited visibility puts you and your passengers at an increased risk of getting in an accident. Taking the extra time to clear your windows is certainly worth the extra safety on the road.
• Avoid driving in dangerous weather conditions. Even if you consider yourself an excellent driver during snowstorms, remember that other people on the road may not be as skilled. Try to get all your errands out of the way before inclement weather hits, and consider canceling plans.
• Avoid drunk drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), when it comes to the percentage of impaired drivers involved in a fatal crash, 55 percent took place between midnight and 3 a.m., and 42 percent between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. Leaving your holiday party a few hours earlier will often provide a much safer drive home. If you see a drunk driver on the road, stay as far away from the vehicle as possible.
• Likewise, dont drink and drive. If you plan to drink at a holiday party, make plans early in the night to have a safe ride home. Whether its a friend, family member, or taxi driver, its important to have a designated driver.

Of course, even with precautions, its almost impossible to eliminate all risks. If youre injured in any type of accident as the result of someone elses carelessness over the holidays or any time of year, give the Richmond law office of Collier & Collier a call at 804-364-5200.

We are here to help and are happy to answer any questions you may have.  We hope you and your family enjoy this holiday season.