The holiday season brings a lot of joy and festivity. However, it also brings with it an increase in car accidents. Understanding the risks and evaluating a few safety tips can help keep you and your family safe this holiday season.
Risks Of Holiday Driving
There are a few reasons why there are more car accidents during the holiday season, including:
- Inclement weather: The holidays fall in the winter when the weather is more likely to be inclement. Slippery, snow-filled roads can increase the risk of being in a car accident.
- Distracted driving: The holidays can be busy. Drivers are more likely to be distracted, which can lead to accidents.
- Driving under the influence: Many people celebrate the holidays with an alcoholic beverage. This can lead to more intoxicated drivers on the road.
- Busy shopping: The holiday season is one of the busiest shopping seasons of the whole year. There are more people on the road, who may be more distracted or fatigued.
These factors can lead to an increase in car accidents during the holiday season. AAA estimates that over 100 million Americans will be traveling this holiday season. Many travel plans include driving, which means there is likely to be a significant increase of drivers on the road.
How To Stay Safe This Holiday Season
There are a few things that you can do to reduce your risk and stay safe on the busy roads this holiday season:
1. Plan Ahead
Planning ahead of time is key when it comes to staying safe. If you plan to take a road trip this holiday season, plan your route ahead of time. Make sure your vehicle has all the recommended maintenance. Check the weather before leaving and change your travel dates if necessary. It can also be beneficial to plan out your rest stops ahead of time.
2. Avoid Distractions
Distractions can significantly reduce your reaction time, increasing your chances of being in an accident. Avoid using your phone while driving. If you need something in the backseat, pull over to a safe location before reaching for it. Take advantage of hands-free driving features that may be available on your vehicle.
3. Take Breaks
Fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. It doesn’t matter if you’re driving a few miles or a few hours – if you feel tired, pull over and take a break.
4. Find Alternative Transportation
If your holiday celebrations involve alcohol, plan for alternative transportation. You’re more likely to get behind the wheel if you don’t have another way home. Ask a friend to pick you up at a certain time or download a rideshare app to your phone ahead of time. If none of these is an option, you can always ask the restaurant or bar to call a taxi.
While you can’t control other drivers’ actions, you can ensure that you’re driving as safely as possible. Driving defensively is also important, especially during the holiday season. This involves paying close attention to other drivers and taking action to avoid dangerous drivers who look distracted or intoxicated.
Contact A Little Falls Personal Injury Lawyer To Discuss Your Car Accident Case In New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Camili & Capo, PA represent clients injured because of an accident in Little Falls, Cedar Grove, Totowa, Clifton, and throughout New Jersey. Call (973) 834-8457 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 1 Lower Notch Road, Little Falls, New Jersey 07424.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
