MOBILE, AlabamaWALA) – Tonight, many families are packing their bags and preparing to hit the road after celebrating the holidays.
The American Automobile Association predicts that 119.3 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home between December 21 and January 1. This is about 3 million more than last year.
According to the National Safety Council, Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year, but it is also the one with the fewest deaths on the roads.
Jason King with the Florida Highway Patrol said it can still happen and wants everyone to make sure to check everything before hitting the road this holiday season.
“We get carried away, we get caught up in not knowing our route, trying to look at the map, trying to control the kids, getting stuck in heavy traffic, getting frustrated” , King said. “It all develops from there and the next thing you know, it leads to a fatal accident or a serious injury accident while on vacation.”
This morning, authorities said a pickup truck carrying nine people lost control on Boston Highway in Monticello, Florida.
The front passenger, a 30-year-old Georgian, died. Another Georgian passenger was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
King said this is just one example of a tragic accident that can happen at any time, even during the holidays.
He said before you travel to your destination, make sure you and your vehicle are prepared.
“When you become a defensive driver, you start with, let me check the tires, let me go around my car real quick a day or two before you go,” he said. “Let me make sure the oil has been changed, let me check those windshield wipers.” Let's make sure everything works, radiator fluid. It's a little crazy, but all the little things count.
King also recommends planning ahead and expecting delays. He told me it's better to be patient than to get ahead of yourself, especially if it means getting you and your family to your destination safely.
Copyright 2024 WALA. All rights reserved.
