Stay Safe On The Roads This Holiday Season
Michael Babboni
Car Accidents
The holiday season is the most dangerous time to be on the road. In fact, during the holidays according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), traffic accidents increase between 18-27% over the holidays. With more chance of vehicle accidents, it’s extremely important that you take care when driving during this time of year. Three Main Reasons Why Accidents Increase During the Holidays
There are several factors that cause the increase of vehicle accidents over the holiday. Here are the top three:
1. Traffic Volume Increases
During the holiday between traveling for family and friend gatherings, shopping and running errands, and going back and forth between holiday parties, the volume of traffic increases on the road. With more cars on the road, there is more chance of an accident. In Florida, traffic also increases because people travel down from the North to escape the cold weather during this time of year.
2. There Are More Drunk Drivers
Almost everyone likes to enjoy a spirit over the holidays, but unfortunately, many people get into their vehicles after they’ve had one too many cocktails. According to the (NHTSA), on average 28 fatalities occur per day because of drunk driving. During the Christmas holidays, those accidents increase to 34 fatalities per day. Over New Years Eve, they increase to 31 fatalities a day. These numbers further increase during peak drunk driving hours between 9 pm and midnight.
3. Stress Levels Are Higher
Let’s face it, the holidays are stressful for most of us. Between all the obligations, the financial stress, and balancing your normal responsibilities, it’s pretty easy for things to become overwhelming. Unfortunately, a lot of people transfer that stress to their driving habits. They can become impatient and aggressive. They are more likely to speed and break traffic laws. All of this can increase the risk of vehicle accidents on the road.
How To Reduce Your Risk Of Accident Over The Holidays
Sadly, with so many factors contributing to vehicle accidents over the holidays, anytime you drive you have to be extremely careful. Here are some tips to keep you safe this season:
● Drive defensively and monitor the other drivers on the road
● Avoid distracted, stressed, or fatigued driving
● Follow the rules of the road
● Make sure your vehicle maintenance is up to date, Check the condition of your tires, brakes, and safety features to make sure they are in good condition.
● Give yourself plenty of time to get where you are going
● If you have the ability, take routes through lesser volume roads
● Try to avoid driving during peak hours like rush hour or the peak drunk driving hours
● Be extra careful in parking lots
● Never drink and drive
However, even if you drive as safely as possible, you can still end up in a vehicle accident. If that happens, it’s important to know what to do.
What To Do If You Are In An Accident Over The Holidays
There is nothing worse than a vehicle accident, no matter the time of year. However, during the holidays it can be even more stressful. Trying to deal with the insurance paperwork, the pain and suffering of injuries, and the financial strain can all be too much. Don’t worry though. If you are in an accident this holiday season, the experienced legal team at the St. Pete’s Lawyer has got your back. When you hire us after an accident, we’ll take care of everything from the paperwork to getting you the medical care you need, so you can relax and go back to enjoying the holidays. Call us today for a free consultation to learn more how we can help.