Ensure your safety this holiday by following our travel tips on avoiding accidents, preparing your vehicle, and managing emergencies.
The holiday season is one of the busiest times for travel. Whether visiting family, heading to a winter getaway, or completing last-minute shopping, the surge in traffic, adverse weather, and stressed drivers can create hazardous road conditions.
If you’re involved in a car accident during the holidays, The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. is here to help. With decades of experience handling car accident cases, we’ll fight to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation!
Preparation is key to minimizing stress and reducing risks while traveling during the holidays.
Map Out Your Route
Use GPS apps to identify the fastest and safest routes.
Check for construction zones, road closures, or holiday events that may cause delays.
Consider alternative routes to avoid congested highways or high-traffic areas.
Schedule Travel During Off-Peak Times
Avoid traveling during peak holiday traffic, such as the day before Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve.
Early mornings or late evenings are often less crowded.
Stay Updated on Weather Conditions
Check the weather forecast for your route, especially if traveling in areas prone to snow, ice, or heavy rain.
Delay your trip if severe weather is expected.
2. Prepare Your Vehicle for the Journey
A well-maintained vehicle is less likely to break down or cause accidents.
Inspect Your Vehicle
Tires: Check for proper inflation and sufficient tread depth. Winter tires are recommended for snowy conditions.
Brakes: Ensure brakes are in good working condition to handle sudden stops.
Battery: Verify your battery is fully charged, especially in cold weather.
Lights and Wipers: Test your headlights, brake lights, and windshield wipers for optimal visibility.
Pack an Emergency Kit
Include items such as:
A flashlight and extra batteries
First-aid supplies
Blankets and warm clothing
Non-perishable snacks and water
A portable phone charger
Jumper cables and a spare tire
3. Drive Defensively
You may encounter aggressive drivers, distracted motorists, or unpredictable road conditions during the holiday season. Defensive driving can reduce your risk of accidents.
Stay Focused
Avoid distractions like texting, eating, or adjusting the radio.
Keep both hands on the wheel and stay alert to your surroundings.
Maintain a Safe Distance
Follow the three-second rule: keep at least three seconds of distance between you and the car in front of you.
Increase following distance in poor weather conditions.
Obey Speed Limits
Stick to posted speed limits, especially in unfamiliar areas or adverse weather.
Reduce your speed on icy or snowy roads to avoid skidding.
Use Caution at Intersections
Slow down and double-check for oncoming traffic, even if you have the right of way.
4. Avoid Fatigue and Impairment
Many holiday travelers drive long distances, leading to fatigue or impaired judgment.
Rest Before Driving
Get a full night’s sleep before embarking on a long trip.
Plan regular breaks every two hours or 100 miles to stretch and recharge.
Share Driving Responsibilities
If possible, take turns driving with another licensed adult to stay alert.
Avoid Alcohol and Drugs
Never drink and drive. Arrange for a designated driver or rideshare service if you plan to consume alcohol at holiday parties.
5. Watch Out for Common Holiday Hazards
Being aware of seasonal risks can help you stay proactive and safe.
Increased Traffic
Plan for longer travel times due to heavier traffic.
Stay patient and avoid aggressive maneuvers like tailgating or weaving through lanes.
Adverse Weather
Drive cautiously in rain, snow, or fog, and use your headlights appropriately.
Be prepared for icy roads by accelerating and braking slowly.
Distracted Drivers
Many holiday drivers may be distracted by phones, GPS, or children in the car. Stay vigilant and anticipate sudden movements from others.
Pedestrians and Cyclists
Holiday shopping areas and neighborhoods often see more foot traffic. Slow down and watch for pedestrians, especially in poorly lit areas.
6. Stay Safe During Long-Distance Travel
If you’re embarking on a cross-country holiday trip, take extra precautions to ensure your safety.
Fuel Up
Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid running out in areas with limited services.
Use Rest Stops
Take breaks at designated rest areas or well-lit parking lots, especially if traveling alone or at night.
Secure Your Belongings
Keep valuables out of sight to deter theft, especially in crowded shopping areas or rest stops.
7. Have a Plan for Emergencies
Even with the best preparation, accidents and breakdowns can happen. Knowing what to do in these situations can make all the difference.
If You’re in an Accident
Move your vehicle to a safe location, if possible.
Check for injuries and call 911 to report the accident.
Exchange information with other drivers and take photos of the scene.
Contact your insurance company to start the claims process.
If Your Car Breaks Down
Pull over to the shoulder and turn on your hazard lights.
Use reflective triangles or flares to increase visibility.
Call for roadside assistance or tow services.
8. Stay COVID-Conscious During Travel
While the pandemic’s impact has lessened, staying cautious can help you avoid illness during the holidays:
Sanitize your hands frequently, especially after using gas pumps or restrooms.
Carry masks for crowded public places, if needed.
Avoid traveling if you’re feeling unwell.
Contact The Hoffmann Law Firm L.L.C Today
Holiday travel doesn’t have to be stressful or dangerous. By preparing your vehicle, driving defensively, and staying alert to seasonal risks, you can minimize your chances of an accident and enjoy a safe and memorable holiday season.
If you’re involved in a car accident during the holidays, The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. is here to help. With decades of experience handling car accident cases, we’ll fight to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation!
This legal professional has shown exceptional competence and dedication in their field. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking legal representation that is committed to unwavering advocacy and support throughout the entirety of their case.
I would describe this lawyer as highly educated, sharp, and top of his game. Explains the car accident process and treatment options well. The lawyer said if they don’t pay you, we will have the jury take it from the insurance company. Great lawyer. Dynamic person.
Interviewed all the TV car accident lawyers and decided to call this law firm that had great reviews. So happy I did. What a difference!
Response from the owner: TV car accident lawyers are just mass production. This is not a good fit for litigated cases. Paralegals instead of lawyers. Monthly quotas for settlements. Car accident victims end up in a cattle call with the lawyers on TV.
Love my car accident lawyer. This law firm is a step above.
Response from the owner: Our lawyers train and track the best approaches on cases. Whether litigation in cases or the practicalities of certain treatment, the growth of our lawyers over time is paramount. Always staying ahead of and setting practice trends. Thank you.
Serious family member have a car accident injury? Look no further. This litigator is for real. Always two steps ahead of the other lawyer.
Response from the owner: This is a sad reality for car accident lawyers. The #1 passenger in an auto accident is a relative. Helping a family make it through this and putting the family back together is one of the most rewarding things I do as an automobile accident attorney.
This lawyer handles really big accident cases in St Louis. He is a lawyer, accountant and has his masters in tax so he gets the injury cases for individuals that can never go back to work or individuals own a business and cannot run it due to injury. He specializes in valuations of massive loss. Thank goodness a firm like this exists.
Response from the owner: Thank you. When accident are severe and you lose the ability to work or to continue a business, having an accounting and tax background is key. Valuing large losses are second nature for us.
Asked a trauma surgeon who operates on car accident victims who are the best injury lawyers that have taken his deposition. He said “by far” it was Mr Hoffmann. Interviewed several attorneys and this was a correct assessment. In a league of his own!
Response from the owner: Our attorney have deposed nearly all the trauma surgeons at every Level 1 Trauma Center in Saint Louis. These doctors save lives after a car accident. Whether controlling bleeding or reestablishing blood flow or bone structures, they are life savers.
Few lawyers in St. Louis can handle the biggest injury cases! This is one of them!
Response from the owner: Our law firm has made great efforts in terms of training to handle life changing injury cases. Whether in depth knowledge of the medical, loss of income and earning capacity, or lifetime medical care plans, our clients feel confident and know their case is in good hands. Thank you for the compliment.
Cannot say enough about this lawyer. Call if in an accident. This attorney handles the biggest car accidents in St Louis.
Response from the owner: Thanks Ash! Our biggest source of cases is our clients. Our second biggest referral source is defense lawyers telling their relatives to call us. Few lawyers can handle the largest cases. Our law firm welcomes and has trained for this. We don’t do mass production settlement like the lawyers on TV. Our clients can never go back to work. Their cases need massive focus and effort and often long fought litigation.
So glad I called attorney Hoffmann. This time I got it right! So glad I hired the Hoffmann Law Firm - professional, reliable and available.
Response from the owner: Thanks Taylor. Our lawyers answer the phone day, night, weekends and even during lunch. Being professional means training to beat the best defense lawyers. Client rely on us to get results and we do.
Great lawyer. Cares about his clients, knows his stuff and goes the extra mile. I recommend this lawyer for car wreck injury claim. Every other lawyer on TV would not even help with my property claim. This attorney did.
Response from the owner: Thank you for the kind words. Every case starts with a great client. You are correct the car accident lawyers on TV are mass production settlement mills. When injury clients fire them, we get their files and the cases are not worked up at all. Appreciate your confidence in us!
Major car accident injury in St Louis area for a family member. Four different lawyers we know said the same thing - call Chris Hoffmann. On another level.
Response from the owner: This is such a great compliment. Most of our cases come from prior client or lawyers that also do car accidents cases but the particular case is too large or too difficult. Being a lawyer and an accountant, we specialize in cases with total lost of income, earning capacity and/or often the inability to continue a family business. Evaluations such as these are second nature for our lawyers. Thanks.
Best in St Louis for auto accident cases. Nobody else is even close.
Response from the owner: So kind of you to leave this review. Whether our lawyers are going after big insurance or their lawyers, skill and experience are essential and win the day for our auto accident clients. Thanks!
This attorney is very smart, very experienced, returns phone calls and knows the answers when asked. One call and I knew this was a great law firm for auto accidents.
Response from the owner: Our law firm appreciates this. This is a comment we get from so many people who call…”none of the lawyers we called told me all the things that you did.” Whether we take a car accident case or not, helping people is a good thing.
5 Star Lawyer for sure! Best you will find in Saint Louis.
Response from the owner: Thanks for the 5 Star Rating. Reviews like this are great. Injury victims quickly figure out the TV advertisers are not good. We work hard at being the best we can be and it reflects in our representation of car accident victims.
Watch this lawyer in action. Was way better than all the others. Get this lawyer for an automobile accident for sure.
Response from the owner: Thanks for the recommendation. Besides doing cases, our attorneys train for this. Hard work, case knowledge and technique is key to success in car accident litigation.
Very pleased with The Hoffmann Law Firm. Lawyers are attentive, friendly and go the distance to force the settlement you want. The TV lawyers recommend low offers. This law firm gets the maximum.
Response from the owner: We get calls from car accident victims that had to fire the TV lawyers that they hired. They give the same two reasons: 1) they never spoke to a lawyer at the Big TV law firms, only a paralegal, and 2) the paralegal recommended they accept a low offer. At our law firm, you only talk to the lawyer and if an offer is low we tell you to sue. Thanks!
Several lawyers said to call this lawyer because he is the best. You will appreciate this law firm. Helped with the injury and property claims. Attentive and knowledgeable. Great reputation in St Louis.
Response from the owner: Thanks Lexi. Our #1 source of cases is other lawyers referring us cases that are too big for them to handle.
Would use this accident law firm. Best in Saint Louis. Highly rated and it shows. After one phone call, you just know this attorney is better. 5 Stars!!
Response from the owner: Thanks for recommending our lawyers in St Louis. There is a major difference in lawyers as you well know.
Car accident lawyers on tv are not good . Get this attorney ! He is a pro !!
Response from the owner: Thanks Nathan. TV lawyers market for car accidents, use paralegals instead of lawyers and give their employees settlement quotas hence forcing cheap settlements. At our law firm, you get a lawyer who keeps pushing forward for more.
Quality lawyer. Best law firm for a car accident. Advice was way better than other lawyers I called in St. Louis. Helped with property and injury.
Response from the owner: Thanks. The TV lawyer advertisers are just car accident settlement mills. As soon as people call a real attorney, they always tell us how much better and more helpful we were. Appreciate this.
This lawyer is big time. Smooth. The other lawyers on the other side were not nearly as good as this attorney. I recommend friends in St Louis to him for accident injuries and they all say the same thing…”that lawyer is great.”
Response from the owner: Very nice of you to say. Our lawyers work hard on auto accident cases.
Family used this car accident attorney after a crash. Located in St Louis. This lawyer answers the phone and will walk you through the process. Knows his stuff!
Response from the owner: Taking calls, going over the car accident injury and property process is important. Clients that call always say we are the only lawyers that explained everything. Much appreciated.
Tried the lawyers on TV. They were not good. Hired this car accident lawyer instead because he had great reviews. The reviews are correct. This attorney is as good as they get. He does big injury cases that need to be litigated.
Response from the owner: Car accident lawyers on TV do not litigate cases. It is mass production. They have quotas. Local attorneys are best on auto accidents.
Used this attorney for an auto accident. Highly recommend this lawyer in St. Louis. Communicates well.
Response from the owner: Communicating with clients is essential. Taking the client though the car accident claims process is important otherwise major mistakes can occur. It is an effort that we make. Thanks!
Fantastic law firm, I would recommend! Received free consultation related to an auto accident when my parked car was damaged by a baseball. Very supportive advice, these guys are good!
I was in a car accident in St.Louis and hired Chris as my lawyer. He was amazing!!! He helped me every step of the way and was able to get me a great settlement!!!Highly, highly, highly recommend him!
Response from the owner: Each step is important in a car accident. Thanks for recommending us for car accidents injury claims.
