New Year’s Eve is one of the most dangerous driving nights of the year. Even if you don’t plan on drinking and driving, you’re still at risk of others who do. We have compiled a list of tips to protect you from New Year’s Eve driving dangers.
Stay Alert
You can’t control or predict the actions of other drivers on the road. However, when you stay alert, you can respond to them more quickly. Pay attention to other drivers’ behaviors, specifically looking for swerving or braking. Try to stay away from these drivers, and consider reporting them if you believe they may have been drinking.
Maintain a Safe Distance
Maintaining a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you gives you more time to respond. Drunk drivers may slam on their brakes for no reason, which could cause you to rear-end them. If possible, choose a different lane from drivers who may be driving erratically or unpredictably.
Plan your Routes Carefully
Plan your routes carefully, especially if you have to drive when the bars or clubs let out. Try to avoid neighborhoods with a lot of nightclubs. Choose less busy routes with wider roads, as this may make it easier to swerve out of the way of a drunk driver. Follow the speed limit and street signs of any routes you choose.
Plan Your Travel Times
It can also be helpful to plan your travel times ahead of time. Try to avoid driving on New Year’s Eve between midnight and early morning, as this is when drunk drivers may be leaving the local bars to head home. If you’re traveling, this may be a good time to pull over and rest for the night at a nearby hotel. Fatigued driving can also reduce your reaction time and lead to a dangerous driving situation.
Know When to Call an Uber or Taxi
If your own New Year’s Eve plans include alcohol, consider calling an Uber or taxi. Even one alcoholic drink can reduce your reaction time. You could be subject to expensive fines, a suspended driver’s license, and even jail time if pulled over. You could also injure someone if you get behind the wheel while drunk.
Stay Safe This Holiday Season
Don’t let the driving dangers of New Year’s Eve in Pennsylvania ruin your holidays. Take a few safety precautions, plan ahead, and you can enjoy a fun and festive New Year holiday.
What to Do If You’re in an Accident
Even with the greatest care and planning, a car accident is still a possibility. Knowing what to do can protect your rights and ensure your and your passengers’ safety. Following a car accident, the first thing to do is report the accident. Once you report the accident, the police will dispatch medical care. You and your passengers should receive any medical care that you need.
If you incur any damages, like medical bills or vehicle repairs, you might consider reaching out to a personal injury lawyer. While your car insurance may cover some of these damages, it isn’t always enough. A personal injury lawyer can ensure that you receive the compensation you need.
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 Atlantic City, 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 Egg Harbor, Atlantic City, Galloway Township, Hamilton, 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.