Children and adults alike look forward to the holiday season every year. Many go on vacation, visit family, or just enjoy a little time off with friends. However you choose to spend the holiday season, you must be aware of the increased dangers you might face on the roads. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 45 fatalities occur every day throughout the country during the month of December due to drunk driving. Of course, there are many other dangers on the road that contribute to the rise in accidents during the holidays, so continue reading to learn more.
Know the Risks
Although drunk driving is undeniably one of the biggest causes of accidents during the holidays, it is not the only culprit. During the holiday season, there is often a substantial increase in cars on the road and, unfortunately, this is the most hectic time of the year. People are often in a rush to complete their Christmas shopping or visit their friends and family for celebrations. Moreover, inclement weather is often a major problem and drivers are not always prepared to drive in snowy or rainy conditions.
Here are some other common causes of car accidents during the holidays:
- Holiday stress: Getting stuck in a traffic jam during the holiday season can be incredibly stressful, especially when you are in a rush to arrive at your destination. Drivers often disregard the rules of the road or drive recklessly because they are distracted.
- Improper car maintenance: The holidays are financially overwhelming for many and, as a result, they might feel compelled to skimp on vehicle maintenance. However, you should never hold off on vehicle maintenance, especially during the winter season. Your loved ones will prefer your safety over any gift you might buy.
- Fatigued driving: It is not unusual for people to jam-pack their calendars with numerous events and gatherings during the holidays. When you spread yourself too thin, you might be too fatigued to safely operate a motor vehicle, so scale it back a bit to ensure you are well-rested before hitting the road.
- Distracted driving: Although distracted driving is a major cause of motor vehicle accidents all year-round, it makes driving during the holidays particularly hazardous. If you find yourself in bumper-to-bumper traffic or you are driving in heavy rain, it is crucial to eliminate all distractions. Anything can happen within a matter of seconds and you need to be ready for it.
- Poor weather conditions: When you think of the winter season, you probably think of rain, snow, and plummeting temperatures. However, despite the fact that rain and snow are a mainstay of the holidays, especially if you enjoy having a white Christmas, such weather conditions increase the likelihood of an accident on the road. Keep an eye on the forecast and, if possible, try to postpone hitting the road until weather conditions improve.
Avoid Getting Involved in an Accident this Holiday Season
Although you cannot prevent accidents from happening, especially when other drivers are particularly reckless, you can take some precautions to reduce your chances of being involved in one.
Here are some tips that can help you avoid an accident over the holidays:
- Be patient, even if you are in a hurry. If you have major concerns about reaching your destination on time, plan to leave a little earlier to account for traffic.
- Keep an eye on weather reports. Some conditions are too dangerous for anyone to drive in, so wait until conditions improve or find a safer alternate route.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Accidents can happen anywhere, regardless of the time of day or on the amount of traffic on the road.
Discuss Your Car Accident Case with One of Our Experienced Attorneys
The holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful time of year, but if you were injured in an accident by a negligent driver, it can feel like the worst time. At The Law Offices of Anthony Urban, P.C., we will fight on your behalf to ensure the responsible party is held liable and you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact us at (888) 268-0023 to schedule a consultation.