Every year we read about holiday road accidents that could have absolutely been avoided by prioritizing a few simple driving safety tips.
1. Avoid Driving During Peak Traffic Hours
If you still have a few gifts to pickup, plan your shopping during less busy times of the day. If you do have to drive through holiday traffic, map your route out in advance. Maybe even take a few backroads or an alternate route to de-stress your trip. Put down the phone, and pay attention to speeding vehicles and semi trucks.
If you still have a few gifts to pickup, plan your shopping during less busy times of the day. If you do have to drive through holiday traffic, map your route out in advance. Maybe even take a few backroads or an alternate route to de-stress your trip. Put down the phone, and pay attention to speeding vehicles and semi trucks.
2. Do Your Due Diligence When Buying a Car From a Private Dealer
During the holidays, a lot of people are out to get a quick buck. Before buying from a private dealer, do your research. Check the vehicle and tires for recalls. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles recommends to also double check the validity of the odometer reading by visiting the Motor Vehicle Information Check. FLHSMV also recommends to check the following:
Visit the FLHSMV website for more tips.
During the holidays, a lot of people are out to get a quick buck. Before buying from a private dealer, do your research. Check the vehicle and tires for recalls. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles recommends to also double check the validity of the odometer reading by visiting the Motor Vehicle Information Check. FLHSMV also recommends to check the following:
- Doors, ignition locks, and windows to ensure they each work properly and there are no signs of break-ins.
- Match the VIN number etched in the window with the VIN number on the title. They should be the same. Also verify that the seller's personal information on their drivers license matches the information on the title. This can also be verified via the Motor Vehicle Information Check mentioned above.
- Since there is no Lemon Law for used vehicles, take it to a trusted mechanic for an inspection before purchase.
Visit the FLHSMV website for more tips.
3. Ensure Your Safety When Walking Through the Parking Lot
There is always the possibility of parking lot theft, especially during the holidays. Do your best to park as close as possible to entrances and exits to ensure a short walking distance from and back to your vehicle. If you need to park further away, don't be afraid to walk next to other shoppers. If no one's around, find a security guard. Not to sound like an overbearing parent, but there have been too many parking lot incidences not only involving theft but even child abduction. Be aware of your surroundings and don't take any chances.
There is always the possibility of parking lot theft, especially during the holidays. Do your best to park as close as possible to entrances and exits to ensure a short walking distance from and back to your vehicle. If you need to park further away, don't be afraid to walk next to other shoppers. If no one's around, find a security guard. Not to sound like an overbearing parent, but there have been too many parking lot incidences not only involving theft but even child abduction. Be aware of your surroundings and don't take any chances.
Please stay safe and call a Jacksonville car accident lawyer if your holidays come to a screeching halt. We will visit you at your location, plan a strategy around your right to compensation, and help get you back into the holiday spirit.