The holiday season is upon us. It's a time for celebrating with friends and family, exchanging gifts and making resolutions. It's also a time when the roads can become extremely dangerous.
Unfortunately, some people make reckless decisions and choose to drive after having too much to drink. A drunk driver who causes a fatal car accident or seriously injures someone on the road can turn a joyous season into a tragic time for victims and families. It's not the only factor that contributes to accidents, but drunk driving tops the list as one of the most common holiday driving hazards.
Types of dangerous driving behaviors
According to EHS Today, there are four dangerous driving hazards to be aware of during the holiday season:
- Drunk driving: Parties and celebrations during the holiday season often include alcoholic beverages. The increase in the number of drunk drivers on roadways this time of year is well-established. Unfortunately, it's also well-established that the number of people who die on the roads increases.
- Distracted driving: Cell phone use behind the wheel is a year-round problem. During the holiday season, some drivers look at their phones to check out store hours, send messages to friends or even order gifts.
- Pressured driving: The holiday season can create stress. Drivers feeling the stress of needing to complete a checklist in a short time frame might be tempted to drive too fast or aggressively. They might ignore the rules of the road to get to a store to buy gifts.
- Fatigued driving: The holiday season often means an increase in activities. People might stay up later than usual for parties or to complete shopping. The increased demands during the season often means that sleep gets sacrificed. Unfortunately, tired drivers are at a greater risk of causing accidents than those who get a full night of sleep.
What to do if involved in an accident during the holiday season?
Everyone should cherish every moment of the holiday season, but it's important to stay safe. Use a designated driver or a ride service if you decide to drink alcoholic beverages. Stay alert and stay focused on driving, not on your cell phone. If you feel stressed or fatigued, avoid getting behind the wheel.
If you or a loved one is in an accident because a driver was impaired, distracted or negligent for any reason, discuss your unique situation with an experienced attorney. The injury you received may have a bigger impact than you realize. Don't let the insurance company take control. Trust the personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone to handle your claim.
Contact us today if you were injured or lost a loved one in an accident.