The Holiday Season Can Be A Stressful And Dangerous Time To Travel

The holiday season has arrived. Whether this is a cheerful time of year or a dreaded time, you must travel with caution and awareness. With fewer flights and more cars on the road this year due to COVID-19, traveling during the holidays can inherently bring danger. Of course, once you are with your family and friends, gatherings bring cheer and happiness, but traveling to and from, you need to practice caution more than ever.

Sadly, Thanksgiving happens to be one of the deadliest days of the year, with millions of Americans traveling the roadways. With more drivers on the road, car accidents are increased as well. But not only are more people crossing the highways, but increased risk factors also attribute to more accidents, including:

• Distracted drivers
• Drivers of all ages
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Speed

Whether you or your loved ones are traveling the roads, Advocates USA is giving you some insight into why it is imperative to drive with caution during the holiday season. Every year we get those dreaded phone calls that their loved one has been involved in a fatal car accident or accidents that involve injuries, and they need a personal injury lawyer to help them fight their legal battle. Unfortunately, most fatal car accidents could have been avoided had the driver or drivers been alert and practiced safe habits. It is inevitable; accidents still happen. If you lost a loved one or are injured in an accident during the holiday season, contact Advocates USA at 1-800-872-4878.

Car Accident Statistics

There are holidays throughout the year known as driving holidays, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. There is a good chance you or loved ones will travel the roadways to celebrate together. On other holidays like Memorial Day weekend and July 4, the celebrations are outside.

According to statistics from 2016, Thanksgiving is the second deadliest holiday of the year, coming in after New Years Day. Car accidents accounted for a 100% increase in injuries and a 64% increase in deaths. The scary statistic shows a 34% increase, on average, in the number of car accidents and 38% more fatalities, and each year these percentages continue to rise.

We aren’t telling you this to scare you; numbers don’t lie. But what you take away from this blog and how you react can make the difference.

Why Car Accidents Are Increased During The Holidays

According to AAA, one-third of all Americans travel during the holiday seasons. This year due to COVID-19, this may be more or less, and on average, 106 million people opt to travel by car. Given these numbers, it is no wonder accidents are increased. Below we have compiled a list of the most common causes of car accidents during the holiday time:

• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol-especially during the holidays when friends and family gather for celebrations. Rather than driving, pay the extra money to save a life, and reduce the risk of an accident. Use a ride-share service like Uber or Lyft.
• Congestion on the road- more people traveling equates to more cars on the road and an increased chance for accidents.
• Distracted drivers-traveling with family or friends, looking at mobile devices to change the music, or calling a loved one distracts the driver. Taking your eyes off the road for a second can result in an accident.
• Road rage- Driving, in general, can be stressful, but during the holiday, people tend to be more stressed, especially with the busy roadways. The stress accompanied by driving can bring out road rage or other negligent driving behaviours that can contribute to car accidents. 
• Inclement weather- In Florida, when roads are wet, combined with high speed and lack of visibility, accidents are more prominent.  
• Maintenance your vehicle before traveling a great distance. Poor maintenance contributes to accidents, and it is something that can be easily fixed.

Tips from Advocates USA On How To Stay Safe This Holiday Season

This holiday season is going to be a little different when it comes to transportation. Due to COVID-19, more people will opt to travel by car versus taking an airplane. You not only need to be aware of your actions but the actions of others.  

• Stay alert. Be aware of your surroundings.
• Obey all warning signs and traffic lights. Don’t rush through the yellow light.
• Plan, so you are not in a rush to avoid stressful travel.
• DO NOT drink and drive
• DO NOT text and drive
• Keep your eyes on the road at all times.
• Prepare your vehicle in case of an emergency.
• Get your car maintenance.
• Wear your seatbelt

Although these tips seem self-explanatory and straightforward, often, these tips are neglected. By practicing safe and responsible driving, it can save lives.  If you have been injured in an accident over this holiday season, contact our experienced personal injury lawyers near you at Advocates USA. Please fill out our contact form or call us at 1-800-872-4878 for a free consultation.

Stay safe this holiday season, and keep your eyes on the road.