Skip Navigation 
Whether you are staying nearby or planning on driving to another state, it is common for families all over Texas to hit the road to visit friends and family during the holiday season.
All travelers should take specific steps not only to protect their belongings while they are away but also to protect themselves while they are on the road. Taking a few precautionary measures now could prove to be invaluable later.
Prepare Your Home While You Are Away
If you have a home security system, make sure that it is working properly, and alarms are activated. You may want to ask the alarm company if it has any suggested steps to take before leaving for a vacation.
If your trip is going to be a lengthy one, you should ask a friend, family member, or neighbor to come by and check on your house once in a while. Have these people collect your mail and newspapers or ask that delivery be held while you are away. Allowing these items to accumulate is a sure sign to burglars that no one is home.
Chart Your Course Carefully
You should know the full route you are taking in advance, and you should also plot possible alternative routes should any unexpected circumstance arise. When you are planning your trip, keep in mind the times you will be traveling through certain areas and how that might affect traffic.
If you are not familiar with the roads you will be taking, try to have a backup plan. Any kind of global positioning system (GPS) technology can be useful for these kinds of trips. Be sure to set your GPS before you start driving in order to minimize the distraction.
Pack Wisely
You might know that warm clothes will be a must, but do not forget other essentials. For example, make sure to pack a first aid kit, extra food and water, a blanket, and other emergency items that could be helpful if you become stranded.
Some people will also need to remember to pack prescription medications. Families that have many electronics will usually need to make sure that they also pack the appropriate cords and other charging equipment for these devices.
Be Prepared
One of the most important things a person can do before hitting the road for a holiday trip is to make sure that their car has been properly maintained. Try to take your vehicle to a mechanic to have the vehicle serviced and inspected before you begin driving.
Do not use your cellphone while you are driving, but be sure you have one with you. Make sure your cellphone is charged and you have a charger that can be used in the car.
Take Breaks
You are not in a race nor are you being timed when you go to visit family and friends for the holidays. Your loved ones only want you to arrive safely, and they will understand if you need to take some time to rest when you are driving considerable distances.
Driver fatigue remains a common but preventable cause of many traffic accidents. People who attempt to drive when they are exhausted can fall asleep behind the wheel. When you are tired after driving for several hours, pull into a rest stop for a bit before continuing to drive. If you need more sleep, stop and get a room at motel.
Contact Us For Help
If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident anywhere in Texas during the holidays, contact Tate Law Offices, P.C., before you speak to any insurance company representatives. Call us or contact us online to have our attorneys provide a complete evaluation of your case during a free consultation.
Tim received a business degree in finance from Southern Methodist University and a Juris Doctor (law degree) from South Texas College of Law. Over the last two decades Tim has represented victims of injuries day-in and day-out throughout the state of Texas as well as in numerous other states throughout America. Tim’s mission on every case is always to get the insurance company of the defendant to pay top dollar for his client’s case, which allows his clients to put the maximum amount of money into their pocket.
