Holiday travel involves hustle and bustle… Everyone has got an agenda and sometimes us Floridians forget that safe travelling is as important as any holiday event that we will attend. As a result, unfortunately many car and motorcycle accidents occur over this holiday weekend.
First things first. We need to remember that we are carrying precious cargo in our automobiles. That precious cargo is usually family and friends. It is important that all passengers that are travelling with you are securely strapped in, including appropriate seats for children.
The driver must be aware of surroundings, not distracted by cell phones, not fatigued and sober. During the holidays, people tend to multitask and squeeze many activities into a day. If you are travelling on the same day you went to work or school, you might not realize your level of exhaustion. It is important to give yourself a break, grab an apple or a cup of coffee before getting into a vehicle.
Some people over-indulge in alcoholic beverages during the holiday season; whether it is at work parties, neighborhood parties or at home with family and friends. Please do not get behind the wheel of a vehicle to drive after consuming alcohol.
Defensive driving is always advised when operating a vehicle. During the holiday season, it is even more important to maintain a level of focus behind the wheel. Although you might be prepared as a driver to operate the vehicle .. you are still on the road with drivers that might be under the influence of alcohol, might be fatigued and might not be as focused as you.
Residents of Brooksville, Spring Hill, Dade City, and Wesley Chapel have pockets of terrain that have rough dirt roads and dimly lit areas that can give a distracted driver limited visibility and possible offroad issues. It is always important to map out your destination prior to departure to determine if there are areas that you will be traveling that are unfamiliar to you and your passengers.
The weather in the Brooksville, Spring Hill and Wesley Chapel areas can be unpredictable at times. There are rainy times that can cause flooding and road closures. There are times that fog can be present which can also result in road closures, slower travels and unexpected delays. It is a good idea to check the weather reports prior to leaving for your holiday destination.