Many people look forward to the holiday season. While there is a lot to look forward to this holiday season, it’s also important to be aware of some of the biggest risks. Learning to avoid some of the most common dangers of the road can help you have a seamless, and enjoyable holiday season without danger.
Traffic Accident Statistics
The Bureau of Transportation estimates that up to 15 billion people travel over the holiday season. Additionally, more people are traveling by car than ever before. Additional information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the holiday season is one of the busiest and worst times for auto accidents with an average of 119 per day.
There are a number of factors that lead to this increase, including:
- Fatigued drivers: With more people traveling during the holidays, there’s likely to be more drivers on the road who are overly tired. They may have been driving for hours, which can reduce their reaction time, and cause many of the same dangers as driving while under the influence.
- Intoxicated drivers: The holidays include a lot of parties, many of which may include alcoholic beverages. In fact, the night before Thanksgiving is the biggest bar night of the year. This means that there are also likely to be more intoxicated drivers on the road, which also increases the risk of accidents.
- Bad weather: The holiday season begins in November and goes through January, which is right in the middle of winter. New Jersey gets its fair share of snowfall throughout this season. The slippery roads and heavy snowfall can lead to an increase in accidents.
- Distracted driving: People are busy over the holiday season. This is likely to lead to more distractions including texting or making phone calls while driving.
With so many factors contributing to the dangers of the road, it’s no surprise that the holidays bring with them an increase in car accidents. Some drivers may even be responsible for more than one of these risk factors.
For example, a driver decides to visit a family member who lives a few hours away. They make the drive after work when they’re already exhausted. It starts to snow as they begin their trip, but they want to make it there before the heavy snowfall comes, so they push on anyway. The driver updates their family on their arrival time numerous times via text message. Engaging in this many risks puts this driver at a significantly increased risk of being in an accident. It also endangers the other drivers on the road.
How To Stay Safe This Holiday Season
While you may not be able to control what other drivers do this holiday season, you can take certain safety precautions to keep you and your family safe. Avoid driving while engaged in any other behaviors that may affect your ability to drive safely, including when you’re tired, distracted, or after having a few drinks. Check the weather before leaving and avoid busy or dangerous areas.
Contact an Atlantic City 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 The Law Offices of Richard A. Stoloff represent clients injured because of an accident in Atlantic City, Galloway Township, Pleasantville, Ventnor City, and throughout New Jersey. Call (609) 601-2233 or email us to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 605 New Road, Linwood, NJ 08221, as well as an office in Philadelphia, PA.
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.