Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, nearly 30,000 people are injured or killed on average in car crashes. Because the holidays are a traditional time for many families to travel, with the primary method being car travel, many people are exposed to longer travel times than they are used to. These longer travel times, accompanied by several other factors, including weather and impaired driving, can contribute to life-changing collisions on roadways. In this blog, we will outline why traveling on roads during the holidays can be so dangerous and how you can drive more safely during the holidays.
Why are roadways so dangerous during the holidays?
From November to January, the average American will celebrate several holidays. These holidays can be enjoyable for many, but dangerous tragedies can also accompany them. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration finds that more collisions occur during holiday periods than during non-holiday periods. Many factors can contribute to dangerous roadways, and increased accidents; below are a few key factors:
- Distracted driving
- Dangerous winter weather conditions
- Impaired and Intoxicated drivers
- Increased traffic
- Road rage
- Driver Fatigue
Each year an average of 10,000 people die in collisions that involve an impaired or intoxicated driver alone. Because of the nature of the Holiday season, many people are more likely to drive while impaired.
How Can I Prevent a Car Accident during the Holiday Season?
It is impossible to predict or entirely prevent a car crash, especially with the additional factors involved with the holidays. However, there are several helpful tips you can implement to drive more safely this Holiday Season.
- Use ride-share services when drinking.
- Avoid traveling during dangerous weather conditions such as snow or other storms.
- Get adequate sleep before driving long distances
- Avoid traveling during high-traffic days or hours
- Avoid unfamiliar roads, especially during dangerous weather conditions.
What Should I do If I am the Victim of a Crash During the Holidays?
If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, no matter the time of year, you should be sure to follow these essential tips:
- Always seek medical care if you are injured
- Take photos of all vehicles
- Photograph your injuries
- File a claim with the involved insurance companies
Many people hire attorneys after being involved in a motor vehicle collision due to the stressful nature of these claims. An attorney will be able to alleviate the stresses involved with handling an insurance claim, so you can get back to enjoying your Holidays. The highly qualified car accident attorneys at Eason & Tambornini are ready to provide a no-cost consultation regarding your motor vehicle incident.
If you have been involved in a motor vehicle collision during the holidays, you may be left with many questions regarding handling your accident claim. This blog outlines why traveling during the holidays can be so dangerous and gives tips for staying safe while driving. Suppose you still have questions or have been involved in a motor vehicle collision this holiday season. In that case, the attorneys at Eason & Tambornini are available to answer any questions you may have at no cost to you.
