Are you headed home to Tennessee for the holidays? Or are you just headed to Memphis for a Christmas getaway?
While holiday travel can be fun, it can also have its dangers. To make sure that your journey stays safe and merry, here are some essential safety tips for out-of-state drivers:
Plan your route in advance
Distracted driving is one of the major causes of roadway accidents, and it’s very distracting to try to figure out a route as you go. Using a navigation app is fine, but try to familiarize yourself with the route before you start so that you aren’t so focused on whatever message the GPS device is giving you that you forget to pay attention to traffic signals, other drivers or roadway hazards.
Know the local rules of the road
Every state has its own rules regarding cellular devices and Tennesse is purely “hands-free.” Again, this is a measure that’s in place to try to keep drivers focused on the road – not their cellphones. Make sure that you put your phone down before you cross the state line.
Watch for holiday traffic and road rage
The highways and byways are just plain busy at this time of the year. Traffic is heavy, and drivers are impatient. Stay calm and avoid aggressive driving. Be cautious of increased pedestrian activity, too, near holiday events, in parking lots of shopping centers and urban areas. Slow down and stay calm even when the traffic gets congested.
The last thing you want to have happen when you’re traveling in a different state is to end up in a motor vehicle accident. If that does happen to you, make sure that you call 911 and get the appropriate medical attention right away. Seeking legal guidance can make it easier to make sure that you get the compensation you deserve.
