Holiday Season and Car Accidents

The holidays are right around the corner and it is important to stay safe especially when operating a motor vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are more fatalities from car accidents on the holidays than on non-holidays. 

Christmas and New Year’s Eve are considered to be the two most dangerous holidays for car accidents. During this, there is a 34% increase in accidents and 38% increase of fatalities occurring. It is important to take extra precaution when traveling. 

The number of accidents comes from a variety of circumstances that arise during the festive times of every year.

These are primary factors in why accidents occur during holidays:

• Increased Traffic
  • There are more cars on the road in close proximity a car accident is likely to occur

• Distracted Drivers
  • Drivers can become distracted causing failure to focus on the road, follow road rules causing collisions

• Inclement Weather
  • Pay attention to the weather, roads will be icy, full of snow and sleet and with windy conditions during the winter become aware take precaution when traveling 

• Drunk & Fatigue Driver
  • As you celebrate the holidays and consume alcohol, driving under the influence becomes prevalent and leads to car accidents, having a designated driver or just taking Uber or Lyft can prevent accidents. Your ability to think and make choices becomes impaired.
  • With all the running around at this busy time, it can cause less sleep, resulting in fatigue. It is like driving drunk. The National Safety Council stated that a person is three times more likely to get in an accident when fatigued.

• Inability to Keep Up Vehicle
  • If you will be driving in winter conditions, it is important to take your car for a check up. The inability to break when needed or a blowout in the highway because of a worn out tire can cause an accident causing drivers and the passengers lives to be put at risk. 

• Unfamiliar Roads
  • People visiting family or friends in towns that they are unfamiliar with can lead to a collision. Do not become distracted when finding your way, pay attention to all things. Remember you are not familiar with the city’s traffic flow and customs. 

A few more tips to help prevent holiday accident:

• Remain alert and awake when in control of a vehicle
• Plan and give yourself plenty of time to reach your location
• Avoid traveling during busy periods
• Avoid drinking and driving
• Prepare for unplanned circumstances
• Avoid distractions
• No driving and texting
• Obey rules of the road
• Pay careful attention to your surroundings and any of the vehicles around you 
• Check weather forecast
• Be defensive car driver and be cautious
• Wear lap belt in car ride always

With over 50 years of expertise, Cohen and Cohen Law, a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Hollywood FL, is the perfect choice for you! We are a Personal Injury Law Firm Hollywood FL with a focus on motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, pedestrian and bicycle accidents. If you have gone through the following contact us for a free consultation.