Avoiding Holiday Travel Debacles on the Roadways
Michael Babboni
Law
The holidays are fast approaching, and with them, we will see an increase in travel. This also begs the question: which holiday has the most accidents in Florida? Well, the answer to this question really depends on what part of the country you live in and what time of the year it is.Not only are there more accidents on the roadways during the holidays, but there are more incidents taking place in parking lots as well, especially during Black Friday and through the month of December when shoppers are out in full force.
Holidays with the Most Traffic Accidents
When looking at the total number of accidents over the holidays, you will see a sharp incline during Christmas, New Year's, Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, and Independence Day. These increases can be due to a number of different reasons:
Heavier Traffic: More people travel during the holidays to visit with friends and family, meaning more cars are on the roadways than usual. Driving is also often cheaper than flying, which can create more congestion.
The Day: the day the holiday falls on also has a lot to do with increasing traffic accidents over the holidays. For example, Christmas and New Year's fall on different days of the year, while the others happen on the same day and typically result in an extended weekend for many. Car accidents seem to be more deadly when the holiday falls on a weekend.
Driving Under the Influence: alcohol also has a role in the number of accidents that occur over the holidays. When they go to a holiday party, drink alcohol, and then decide to get behind the wheel, it becomes a problem. As a result, there are more alcohol-related car accidents over the holidays than at any other time throughout the year.
Tips on Avoiding Holiday Car Accidents
With the holidays approaching at fast speeds, here are a few tips to keep in mind to avoid a car accident during the holidays.
• Take the time to plan your trip or outing in advance
• Avoid distracted driving
• Do not drink and drive
• If you are tired, do not drive
• Avoid tailgating
• Don't engage in road rage or aggressive driving
• Avoid speeding
The number one cause of accidents during the holidays is drunk driving. While this isn't always avoidable, it helps to pay attention and avoid being on the roadways during these times if possible.
The best thing you can do any time of the year while driving is maintaining a safe distance between yourself and the other cars on the roadway. Additionally, pay close attention to your surroundings so you can spot a problem early on.
Many of us can become easily distracted during the holiday season, don't let that distraction be the cause of a car accident. Clear your mind, focus on driving, and stay safe this holiday season.
If you followed all these tips and still find yourself injured in an accident due to the fault of another, you may be entitled to compensation. Consult an experienced personal injury attorney about your case, and they can guide you through the claims process.