Driving is one of the safest ways to travel, but it can also be dangerous, especially during the holidays. Our personal injury lawyer Jason A Cook has seen the effects of car accidents and has some tips for holiday driving. After all, this is when many people start drinking and driving, going on road trips when they’re tired from traveling all day, or driving in bad weather conditions like snow or ice.
In fact, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fatal car accidents spike during holiday periods, such as Thanksgiving weekend, compared with other times of year. And a recent analysis shows that we’re more likely to get into an accident during certain days (and certain times) than others. If you want to make sure you get home safe after dinner on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Day without having any last-minute mishaps along the way, here are some tips.
Holiday traffic
The holidays are one of the most dangerous times to drive. Holiday travel is more dangerous than non-holiday travel for several reasons, including:
- Extended hours and increased traffic volume due to drivers hitting the road earlier or later than usual
- Mismatched speeds between vehicles due to heavier traffic flow and slower speed limits on certain roads (i.e., many highways have lower speed limits during holiday periods)
- Decreased visibility due to bright decorations and lights on homes/stores/etc., which can distract drivers from their surroundings
In addition, traffic is a problem during the holidays because there are simply more cars on the road. More people are traveling, and they’ll be out in unfamiliar areas looking for a relative’s house or a party venue. This means that when you’re driving, you aren’t just sharing the road with your fellow drivers, you’re sharing it with tourists who can’t navigate like you do and may not be familiar with driving laws for their state or country.
It is important for you to have an attorney that is experienced and skilled in personal injury law and that gives you the support you need. If you’ve been involved in an accident, personal injury lawyer Jason A Cook, will ensure that you are guided through the legal process and that your rights are protected.
Snow and Ice
Snow and ice are two common factors in car accidents. Snow might cover your windshield, making it harder to see where you’re going on the road. This makes it more difficult for drivers to steer their cars properly and avoid hazards like potholes or patches of ice that might suddenly appear on the road ahead.
Ice can also make it hard for drivers to stop quickly enough when approaching traffic lights or stop signs. This could result in rear-end collisions with other vehicles that have stopped at intersections due to red lights. It may also be difficult to avoid or stop for signals from police officers directing traffic near accident scenes (such as after an accident has already occurred).
Drunk and Aggressive Driving
The holidays are a time when many people enjoy drinking, but it’s also important to remember that driving while intoxicated is illegal and can lead to serious injuries and even death. Drunk drivers are less likely to take evasive actions to prevent a crash than sober ones. Because of this and the unsafe driving practices they engage in, a victim’s injuries tend to be much more serious, if they are not fatal.
Drinking and driving is often a cause of car accidents during the holidays. No matter if you’re visiting family or staying at home for the winter break, it’s important to plan ahead before getting behind the wheel. If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, contact personal injury lawyer Jason A Cook. He will help you get the compensation you deserve.
Tips For Holiday Driving From Personal Injury Lawyer Jason A Cook
Because driving during the holidays can be dangerous, it is important that you do everything you can to stay safe.
- Plan your trip
- Make sure that you will be driving in the safest road conditions possible.
- Avoid consuming alcohol and driving with impaired judgment.
- Get plenty of rest before a long trip and switch off with another driver (if possible) when you get tired.
- Drive defensively and with limited distractions
- Avoid aggressive drivers and if necessary slow down or pull over to let them pass you.
- Do not use your cell phone or pull over if it is absolutely necessary to do so.
- Get your car checked before a long trip
- Any necessary basic maintenance that needs to be done can help your car function better in the winter weather.
If you stay alert, use caution, and drive safely, you can reduce your risk of being in an accident during the holiday season. If you do get into an accident, don’t panic! The important thing is to stay safe and keep yourself out of harm’s way. If you need additional assistance to ensure your rights are protected and that you are fairly compensated for any damage, personal injury lawyer Jason A Cook is here to help.
