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Drive More Carefully in Wisconsin for This Holiday Season

Christmas is approaching fast. The people are getting themselves into the holiday mood with the shops having Christmas jumpers, big Christmas banners of events, Christmas cards are being displayed at the entrances, and more. Families are getting themselves busy with planning for their winter vacations. All this makes Christmas holiday the busiest times around the world. Last year, in 2017, 97.4 million cars hit the road, contributing in a total increase of 3.1% travel from Dec 23 to Jan 1.

This time of the year is more prone to road accidents, due to:

  • Reduced visibility as the days are shortest in December
  • Slippery roads due to snow and ice
  • Drunk or under the influence driving

The result can lead to fatalities, spoiling the festive mood and inflicting serious injuries to the people involved in the accident. The events like the Appleton Downtown Christmas Parade in the middle west drew about 80,000 spectators. This is how one can understand the density of traffic and potential car accidents. All the personal injuries are liable for compensation. It will be more easy to go through a personal injury lawyer in Appleton for realizing the rightful injury claim, from the defendant.

There are several guidelines, however, to avoid any unfortunate events on the first hand, for yourself as well as for others.

Do not drink and drive

Drinking is closely associated with celebration. And the cases for accidents due to driving under influence are increasing in number. The traffic controlling authorities can charge you with operating while intoxicated (OWI) charges if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is reported to be 0.08 percent or higher. This poses threat to your life as well as that of others.

You can not choose to drink and can volunteer as a designated driver to transport your friends safely at their places.

If you want to enjoy party drinking, without getting into any driving troubles, either ride with the designated driver or take a rideshare service (Uber or public transport). You can also plan to stay at the host or at a nearby hotel, to avoid any accidents due to your drinking.

Make your travel plans based on weather reports

Weather predictions are getting more accurate with the use of modern gadgets and technologies. Having said that, you can base your travel plans according to the weather forecast. Being vigilant is no harm. If the weather report has forecasted heavy snowfall before your arrival to the place, then keeping a packable shovel and snow chains can help in avoiding the accidents. It will be even better to reschedule your travel, for a more favorable day.

Properly check your vehicles for any fault, before hitting the road

Especially for the long road trips, a thorough vehicle check must be ensured. Check the vehicle for:

  • Treads of the tire
  • The pressure in all the tires
  • Brake fluid
  • Antifreeze
  • Engine oil
  • Batteries
  • Wearing of windshield’s wiper blades

Be a vigilant and considerate driver

Holiday season increases the population of unknowns in the city. Not all visitors are skilled enough to adapt to driving in an unknown area of Wisconsin. Sudden breaks, wrong turn, driving below the speed limit, etc. are few instances where you would need to be more alert and patient. Maintain a safe distance from every vehicle and be vigilant of the move of your fellow drivers. Distracted driving can lead to fatal effects.

Get your first-aid and breakdown kit ready

Heavy traffic and driving on high traffic roads can lead to unpredictable situations. Predicting this to happen, you must keep a handy first-aid kit. A breakdown kit with other following accessories is a must-have road traveling things during this time of the year

  • Clean water
  • A flashlight
  • A warm blanket
  • A car cell phone charger
  • A toolkit
  • A spare tire and a jack
  • Extra antifreeze, oil, power steering fluid, and windshield wiper fluid.

The precautionary approach will be more helpful to enjoy your holidays. It is time to think about a responsible driving. Pledge to make only pleasant memories for yourself and for others.

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