Christmas is a time for celebration with family and friends. It’s the time of year that’s full of joy and festiveness. It’s also one of the most common times of the year for car accidents. Find out why car accidents increase around Christmas and the New Years’ holidays and what you can do to keep your family safe.
Common Causes of Christmas Car Accidents
These are some of the most common causes of car accidents around Christmas:
- Speeding: Everyone is in a rush around Christmas. People are trying to finish their holiday shopping lists. Some people may be traveling to holiday parties. As such, they may wind up driving over the speed limit and getting into an accident.
- Inclement weather: Christmas in New Jersey is often filled with snow and ice. This can lead to the road becoming slippery and dangerous, especially if you are driving over the speed limit.
- Drunk driving: Many holiday parties include alcohol. This may lead to an increase in drunk drivers on the road, causing their fair share of car accidents.
- Distracted driving: Not only are people in a rush around Christmas but they’re also distracted. People are more likely to use their smartphones while driving.
When you combine all of these factors, it can create dangerous driving situations. Many people change their daily routines during the holiday season. Children are out of school, and parents may take time off from work too. A lot of people also travel during the holiday season to visit family and friends, and the increase in traffic can lead to more car accidents.
How to Avoid a Car Accident This Christmas
Staying off the roads is not usually an option at Christmas. However, there are things that you can do to avoid a car accident, including:
Slowing Down
Slowing down can reduce your risk of being in a car accident significantly. Speeding makes it difficult to gauge the safety of the roads. It also makes it difficult to come to a stop if the vehicle in front of you slams on its brakes at the last minute.
Not Drinking and Driving
Drinking and driving increases the chance that you’ll cause a car accident. It can sometimes be difficult to gauge your ability to drive after consuming holiday drinks. If you do drink, make plans ahead of time to stay over, be driven home by a friend, or use a rideshare such as a Lyft or Uber.
Keeping a Safe Distance
Following too closely can also cause a motor vehicle accident over the holiday season, especially if the roads are slippery. Try to always maintain a safe distance when driving behind another vehicle. Leave at least one full vehicle length between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Know When to Stay Home
Learning to gauge the safety of the roads can also be helpful. This includes checking the weather before leaving your house. It also includes knowing when to stay put and avoiding driving drunk.
These safety tips can help you and your family stay safe this holiday season. Don’t let a bad decision lead to an expensive and painful car accident on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. If you find yourself in an accident this Christmas holiday, ensure you always report the accident and receive medical care. Then, consider reaching out to a personal injury lawyer to ensure you receive the funds you need to cover your medical bills or property damages.
Contact a Linwood 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 a car accident in Pleasantville, Hammonton, Somers Point, Ventnor City, and throughout New Jersey. Call 609-957-6810 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 605 New Road, 1st Floor, 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.