The Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year holiday season is one of the busiest periods of the year for car accidents. From simple car accidents, crashes caused by a drunk driver, or a severe multi-car wreck, it is best to be careful during this season of fun and joy. The following are some common causes of car accidents during this holiday season:
Driving Under the Influence
When it comes to the holidays, alcohol can take on a whole new meaning. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, an average adult drinks at least three drinks at a typical holiday gathering. Drinking that much can undoubtedly lead to a car accident if people do not know how their bodies will react to the alcohol. Make sure to wear your seat belt and make sure the person sitting next to you is too, and always have a plan for how to get home after an evening of drinking. Utilize rideshare apps or ensure you have a designated driver that will remain sober for the duration of your night.
Speeding
Accidents can happen in all kinds of vehicles, including trucks, cars, buses, and RVs. Make sure to drive within the speed limit and pay attention to what other cars are doing around you. Holidays can create environments for aggressive driving due to people trying to shop for gifts, a rise in traffic, and winter weather conditions on the roads that increase travel times. Speeding causes reaction times to delay, which adds additional risks for car accidents.
Holiday Traffic
The traffic around the holidays is almost unavoidable. People want to reach their loved ones, and an estimated 55 million people will be embarking on trips 50 miles or more this year. The congestion this places on highways creates a recipe for car accidents. Keep your head cool, practice assertive driving habits, and follow all traffic laws to keep you and the other people in your car as safe as possible. In the event you are confronted by an aggressive driver, do not engage with them and let them pass as soon as it is safe to do so.
Car Repairs
Finally, make sure your vehicle is in proper working order before you hit the road. Driving during the holidays may mean one or more tires are worn, and that could put you and your passengers at risk for an accident. Make sure your car has proper tires for the winter months, and check your vehicle to make sure you have antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, and that your wipers are in good working order.
Where You Can Turn
Car accidents can happen anywhere at any time. This is why people must be careful when they are on the road. Driving while drunk, distracted, or tired can have devastating effects on your ability to drive safely. If you or a loved one suffer injuries due to a negligent and reckless driver this holiday season, the team at Shapiro Law Firm, P.A. is here to help.
Call our firm at (850) 629-7226 to schedule your free consultation, or fill out the quick and easy form on our website.