As the Thanksgiving weekend rapidly approaches, it’s important to remember that drivers will be experiencing extra congestion due to holiday-related traffic. In fact, in 2018, AAA Texas calculated that 4.1 million Texans journeyed 50 miles or more away from home during Thanksgiving, a 4.7 percent increase over the previous year. That trend is expected to continue this year, meaning more hazardous roadway conditions in and around major Texas cities and throughout the rest of the state. Below are some helpful tips and reminders as we begin the holiday driving season.
Safety Tips
• Download the Ben Bronston Auto Accident App and turn on the Automatic Car Accident Detection feature.
• Always wear your seat belt. In most cases car accident victims incur serious or fatal injuries due to the lack of any safety restraint or seatbelt.
• Don’t drink and drive. Use an Uber, Lyft, taxi or have a designated driver on hand.
• Avoid cellular phones while driving. Remember that as of September 1, 2017, texting and driving is illegal in Texas. Additionally, there are regions throughout the state that completely limit any cell phone use while driving, so it is the responsibility of drivers to know the law in their local areas.
• Turn down the volume of your car radio to avoid distractions and to properly yield for first responder vehicles.
• Drive with both hands on the steering wheel and avoid eating or drinking.
Accident Tips
• Download the Ben Bronston Auto Accident App and go to Frequently Asked Questions to learn what to do after and accident.
• If you are involved in an accident and sustain injuries, try to remain in place until emergency units arrive, unless it’s absolutely necessary to move due to safety concerns.
• Write down the names and contact information of the other party (including any passengers) who were in the car.
• Never admit fault or wrongdoing at the scene of the accident.
• Take as many photos and videos as possible of all vehicles involved.
• Seek immediate medical attention. Even if you do not feel immediate pain from an accident, it is necessary to have a complete medical check-up. Some injuries may not become evident until days after a serious crash.
• As with all accidents, time is of the essence, so it’s important to reach out to an experienced accident and injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options.
If you have been in an auto accident with injuries in the state of Texas, you may fill out our online Case Evaluation Form, or call our office directly at 713-CALL-BEN (713-225-5236).
