Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog
The holiday season is officially here and motorists from around the country will be making Massachusetts their holiday vacation destination. To help keep our roads safer and to help you avoid a car accident in Boston, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is here to encourage drivers to plan ahead and keep safety as a top priority for their holiday road trips.
As the holiday traffic rolls in, MassDOT encourages drivers plan their route accordingly. Typically, Exit 9 on I-90 that connects I-84 to Connecticut and New York sees extremely busy toll plazas and some heavy, congested traffic. To avoid any delays, drivers are urged to steer clear of these areas or to travel through early in the morning or after 8:00 p.m. During this time, traffic is lighter and can help to keep your trip moving on schedule.
Our Massachusetts car accident lawyers understand that traffic also get backed up both at the I-95 and I-495 Turnpike interchanges and at the northbound lanes of I-93 and I-495 heading into New Hampshire. Planning your trip accordingly can help you to avoid any serious delays or a potentially fatal accident.
“Safe travel is our top priority, and we encourage Commonwealth residents to plan ahead for holiday travel,” said Richard A. Davey, MassDOT Secretary and CEO.
To help you with your holiday travels, MassDOT offers motorists with an interactive road camera website with nearly 100 road cameras along the state’s highways. These cameras refresh the images every couple of seconds to provide you with real up-to-date traffic data. You also have the 511 traffic alert program to help provide you with important messages regarding traffic details throughout the holidays.
The 511 program was designated by the Federal Communications Commission in 2000 and allows the state to provide important travel info regarding roads conditions statewide. The service provides up-to-date traffic updates for major Massachusetts roadways, including roadways in South Coast, Central Mass and Western Mass.
MassDOT is also offering important winter safe driving tips for holiday drivers:
-Motorists should always drive with your vehicle’s headlights on in the winter weather.
-Always observe posted street signs and speed limits.
-You should never drink and drive, especially during the holiday season. Alcohol-related accidents increase significantly during Christmas and New Year’s.
-Always be sure that everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seat belt. Massachusetts state law says that all occupants must be properly restrained in a vehicle.
-Keeps a heads up for changing weather. Adjust your driving accordingly.
-Always keep a safe distance between you and the vehicles around you. Never tailgate.
-Use your emergency flashers when you’re driving slower than the posted speed limit or when you’re stopped near traffic.
-Always factor in extra time to get to your destination.
-Plan regularly scheduled breaks to avoid fatigued driving when traveling long distances.
-Have you car looked over before venturing out. Check your battery, fluids and tires.
-Carry emergency equipment with you. Make sure to have a cell phone, road flares, a jack, a lug wrench, a spare tire, etc.
From our attorneys to your family, have a Happy Holiday Season and safe travels.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in the Greater Boston area or elsewhere in Massachusetts, contact Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers for assistance. Call for a free and confidential consultation at (617) 777-7777.
More Blog Entries:
‘Stop the Texts. Stop the Wrecks.’ to Help Reduce Distracted Driving Car Accidents in Massachusetts, Nation, Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog, November 18, 2011
Nighttime Driving Reduces Visibility and Increases Risks for Car Accidents in Massachusetts, Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog, November 15, 2011