The end of year holidays are the most anticipated holiday period of the entire year. Around this time, many Tennesseans travel back home to spend time with loved ones while others go off on vacations. There is also an influx of tourists driving in and out of the Volunteer State during the holidays.

Unfortunately, the increased number of motorists on the roads during the holiday season contributes to a high number of vehicle accidents. What's worse, the cold weather in Tennessee at this time makes it easier for accidents to occur.

​In this post, we share tips on driving safely in Tennessee during the holidays, including how to prepare your vehicle for the colder roads and steps to take after a motor vehicle accident.

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for the Colder Roads in the Holiday Season

Poor weather conditions during the holidays in Tennessee increase the risk of vehicle accidents. No matter how careful a driver you are, colder roads are always challenging to maneuver. To this end, you want your vehicle to be road-ready, whether driving a few kilometers or many miles.

Use these tips to prepare your vehicle for the colder roads this holiday:

Inspect the Tires
Lower temperatures can cause tire pressure to decrease over time, putting you at a higher risk of losing control when driving. So, before heading out this cold holiday season, thoroughly inspect your vehicle's tires. Ensure each tire is filled to the vehicle manufacturer's specification and not more.

You should also check the tire threads and sidewalls for signs of wear and tear, such as punctures, bulges, and cuts. If you've used the tires for more than six years, consider replacing them with snow tires that meet NHTSA's Uniform Tire Quality Grading System standards.

Do a Battery Check
Loss of battery power is another common occurrence during the cold season because of the low temperatures. All engines, from gasoline to diesel and electric, use more energy to function at this time.

As such, inspect your vehicle's battery system, especially the belts and charging system, to avoid sudden vehicle emergencies on the road. If some parts are damaged, consider having repairs and replacements done by a licensed mechanic.

Install Safety Technologies
NHTSA recommends that all manufactured vehicles have some driver assistance technologies installed for maximum support when driving. If your vehicle has safety technologies such as an anti lock brake system, familiarize yourself with how to use it on colder surfaces. If it doesn't, talk to your mechanic about adding driver assistance technologies to your vehicle.

Confirm All Lights are Operational
The wintry-like weather in Tennessee can make it difficult for you to see the road and for other drivers to see you from a distance. If you plan to drive long distances this holiday, confirm that all lights work for maximum visibility on the road. These include the headlights, turn signals, brake lights, interior lights, and emergency flashers.

Stock Up on Winter Wiper Fluid
You should prepare for the fact that snow will consistently pour on your windows, obstructing your view of the road. You can stay on top of this challenge by having enough antifreeze wiper fluid to last your entire journey.

Aside from that, make sure the defrosters and blades are in good working order. If they need replacing, consider going for heavy-duty winter wipers with blades that prevent ice from hardening on the wiper. Other useful materials to bring with you on your journey include:
● A snow shovel
● A broom
● Ice scraper
● Abrasive material in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow

How to Avoid an Accident as a Driver
The risk of getting into an accident is greater during the holidays due to the many motorists on the road and the cold weather. Even if you're a careful or experienced
driver, you may not be able to foresee all risks on the road. Here are steps you can take to do your best to avoid getting into an accident:

• Don't Drive Impaired: The holidays are always celebratory, so it can be tempting to take a sip or two of your favorite alcoholic drink. If you plan on drinking, don't get behind the wheel, or risk joining the other 6,000 Tennesseans who get into auto accidents due to alcohol use every year. ● Avoid distractions: More than 20,000 accidents in Tennessee occur due to distracted driving. Inattentiveness behind the wheel – be it through cell phone use, eating, or adjusting the radio could lead to fatal vehicle accidents. Avoid any activities that take your eyes and mind off the road.
• Mind your speed: Overspeeding is a cause of many road accidents in Tennessee during the holiday season. With so many vehicles on the road, driving beyond the speed limit increases the chances of rear-end collisions or fatal accidents due to the strong impact. Always drive within an area code's speed limit and give yourself enough room from other traffic for maximum safety.
• Be fresh and alert: Drowsy driving can cause serious road accidents. If you're on strong medications, get a designated driver to drive you or talk to your doctor about other friendlier medications before driving. Ensure you're also well-rested before driving and take breaks throughout your journey if necessary.
• Drive defensively: Competition during the holiday season is often high on the road. You can avoid getting into an accident by driving defensively, especially if you're a new driver. That means letting aggressive and impatient drivers overtake you or pass through intersections before you so you can have more freedom to drive at your pace.
• Emphasize on safety first: Ensure every passenger inside the vehicle is buckled up even though it doesn't reduce the risk of an accident. What this does is help avoid fatal injuries or any injuries if an accident does occur and it's not your fault.

Contact Personal Injury Attorneys at Fox and Farmer Law Firm
It's a celebratory period, no doubt. Don't turn that joy into sadness by getting into a vehicle accident. Remember, many people alive now won't even see the New Year due to careless driving.

If you or a loved one gets into a vehicle accident that results in injuries or death due to another driver's negligence, our aggressive personal injury attorneys can help obtain compensation. Contact us online for a free evaluation of your case if you're in Knoxville, the Tri-Cities, or Chattanooga.