12 Dec Staying Safe on the Road and Avoiding Common Holiday Driving Hazards
Winter weather (and more aggressive driving habits) can render roads unsafe. At National Auto Collision Centers, we see an increase in appointments for auto repair services in Tucson at this time of year. We want to help our customers stay safe on the road by avoiding common holiday driving hazards. Read through our tips and give us a call if you do need major or minor repairs.
Winter Weather
Although Tucson rarely gets snow, we do have winter weather, especially on mountain passes and in other high elevation areas. Wet or icy roadways, fog, dust, and rain can make it harder to drive. Even if you’re being careful, other drivers might not be as conscientious. You can reduce your risk of weather-related auto accidents by:
- Keeping your vehicle properly maintained
- Cleaning your windshield before driving
- Making sure all lights and safety features are functioning properly
- Checking the weather forecast before hitting the road
- Driving slowly and carefully on rough or unfamiliar roads or in extreme weather conditions
- Maintaining a safe following distance
- Following all driving regulations and traffic signs
Poorly Maintained Roadways and Signs
Rough or poorly maintained roadways can also cause hazards. Many streets in Tucson and the surrounding areas are not well maintained and may not have adequate lighting or signage. This can increase the risk of an accident, especially at night, in poor weather or visibility conditions, or during rush hour holiday traffic. Drive defensively, follow posted speed limits and signage, and adjust your speed and driving habits accordingly.
Increased Traffic
Another common holiday driving hazard is traffic jams. When streets are more crowded, drivers get impatient with stop-and-go traffic. They may speed up unexpectedly, drive erratically, or try to swerve in and out of lanes to get where they’re going faster. Take care when driving in congested areas and minimize distractions.
Aggressive, Distracted, or Impaired Drivers
Aggressive, distracted, and impaired drivers can also cause accidents. The holiday season can be stressful and overwhelming for many. You may encounter drivers on the road who are leaving a holiday party, hurrying home after a long day at work, or are talking on the phone or to passengers as they drive. Stay vigilant and minimize distractions in your own vehicle so that you can react quickly if another driver does something unexpected.
Know What to Do After a Collision
Finally, be aware that no matter how careful you are, sometimes a collision is inevitable. If you do get into a car accident:
- Make sure all drivers and passengers are safe
- Move your vehicle out of the roadway, if possible
- If there are injuries, call 911
- Take photos and video of the accident scene
- Get names, contact information, insurance information, and license plate and driver’s license numbers from all drivers involved
- Take your vehicle in for an inspection and repairs right away
At National Auto Collision Centers, we offer reliable, fast collision repair and maintenance. If you have been Googling, “auto body collision repair near me “, contact us online to schedule an appointment.