Posted on Friday, December 8th, 2017 at 1:09 am
Are you planning to travel by car this holiday season? If so, you will not be alone. Thousands of families will be on our roads this December as they travel for the holidays. When you are traveling for long distances, the cruise control feature on your vehicle can be a huge aid. However, there are proper ways to use the cruise control feature, and there are ways to use the cruise control feature that can place you at a higher risk of being involved in a car accident.
Because our Sacramento car accident attorneys see the devastation that accidents cause for families, we urge you to be extra cautious on the road this holiday season. We also encourage you to review the following safety tips for using the cruise control feature while driving during the holiday season.
- Keep it Within the Speed Limit
You might be tempted to set your cruise control for 5, 10, or 15 miles over the posted speed limit. However, this is not safe. Using the cruise control is not a free pass for breaking the law by speeding. Any time you exceed the posted speed limit, including using the cruise control, you increase your risk for a speed-related traffic accident.
- Stay Alert!
Using the cruise control can lull some drivers into thinking they do not need to pay as much attention to the road. However, you always need to keep your eyes on the road and avoid distractions, regardless of whether you are using your cruise control.
- Keep Your Foot Close to the Break
Do not rely on other safety features to stop or slow your vehicle if you get too close to the car in front of you. You cannot relax and let the car handle the driving for you, simply because you engage the cruise control. Keep your foot near the brake and be prepared to engage the break at a moment’s notice. When you are using cruise control, you are likely traveling at higher rates of speed. Therefore, you must be ready to respond immediately if you need to slow or stop your vehicle.
- Know When It Is Safe to Use the Cruise Control
In most cases, it is safe to use the cruise control when you are traveling long distances on the highway or interstate. Cruise control is not designed to be used when driving in the city or heavy traffic. You should also avoid using the cruise control when you are driving on curvy roads and in poor weather conditions such as rain, fog, ice, and snow.
Sacramento Personal Injury Attorneys You Can Trust
We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season. We also want you to know that we are here for you and your family if you are injured during the holidays in a car accident, slip and fall, or other personal injury accident.
Please call The Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation with an experienced California personal injury lawyer. Our law firm serves clients in Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, El Dorado Hills and other communities in the greater Sacramento area.
