Over the course of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, which started on November 21st and ran through November 25th, five people were killed on MS highways after engaging in roadway accidents [Source: WTVA]. Aside from the number of fatal accidents the Mississippi Highway Patrol reported, the department also shared that troopers issued 6,527 citations, made 98 DUI arrests, and investigated approximately 200 automobile accidents. During the time troopers were out patrolling and monitoring the roadways, they also noticed an increased amount of traffic during this period and they only “expect the number of motorists to increase due to the upcoming December holiday period.”
Therefore, if you plan on traveling either for the Christmas or New Year’s holiday, you may want to consider leaving early in the morning or after the morning traffic clears up, says Accuweather. These are the times when the roadways tend to be less congested which can make your trip less stressful and even a little safer as you won’t have so many people traveling around you. Something else you need to consider aside from when the best time to travel would be is if your vehicle is ready and able to handle the road trip. As you know, driving in the winter time is much different than driving during the summer months as the changes in weather affect the roadways conditions.
Therefore, to ensure you and your family are ready for your upcoming trip, you are encouraged to read through these tips on how to prepare your vehicle for winter to help prevent your vehicle from breaking down, or worse, engaging in an accident.
- Monitor the air pressure in your tires. According to Accuweather, “a tire’s pressure can drop as the air becomes colder” which means if you haven’t checked the air pressure in your tires lately, you might want to do so now as well as before you leave for your trip. A tire that doesn’t have enough air inside is at risk of going flat while driving and may not function as it should when traveling over wet or icy roadways.
- Have your battery tested. Accuweather also highlighted that “battery capacity decreases significantly in cold weather so it is important to have a mechanic examine it to ensure it is at its peak performance.”
- Scan your windshield for cracks and check to be sure your wipers are in good, working condition. In the event you have a crack in your windshield, you should know that it could potentially worsen as a result of the cold weather. Therefore, you might consider getting it repaired, especially if you will be traveling far from home. You also want to be sure your window wipers are working properly so that if you encounter rain or even some snow, they will be able to clear your windows so that you can see and steer your vehicle in a safe manner.
- Check your headlights and brake lights. It is imperative that these lights work, especially if you are going to be traveling in areas that might have fog, rain, or snow. Not only do they signal when traffic is slowing, but they allow other drivers to see you when inclement weather it present or it is dark outside. If your headlights or brake lights aren’t working, be sure to get them fixed as soon as possible.
With hundreds and thousands of drivers expected to hit the roadways this holiday season, be sure you are operating your vehicle carefully and cautiously and check to ensure it is ready for the winter road.
Involved in a wreck recently in Madison, MS?
If you were one of the unfortunate victims of a car accident that occurred over the Thanksgiving holiday or at a different time prior to that and you would like to know how much your accident might entitle you to recover, contact Madison, MS car wreck attorney William E. Ballard. Whether the incident has left you suffering from minor or severe injuries, you may be eligible to receive compensation that will cover your past and future medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Therefore, if you would like attorney William E. Ballard to review your case, estimate what it is worth, and even review with you the steps you must take in order to recover the amount you may be eligible to receive, contact our office at 769-572-5111 to schedule an initial consultation.
You can reach Ballard Law, PLLC. at:
108 S. President Street
Jackson, MS 39201
769-572-5111
Visit USAttorneys.com to read more articles about accidents in America
