Tips For Driving Safely During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time to enjoy being with family and friends. However, the season can be dangerous when it comes to being on the road. With many people traveling via car to see family and friends or rushing around town to do holiday shopping, car accidents are unfortunately a frequent occurrence over the holidays. Below you can learn more facts about holiday season accidents, including how to protect yourself on the road and what to do if you find yourself involved in an automobile accident. 

Holiday Season Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, from the period of 1982 through 2018, motor vehicle accident fatalities over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend ranged from a low of 384 to a high of 659. The week spanning from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day had fatalities that ranged from a low of 736 to a high of 1,485. 

Factors that are commonly cited as contributing to the rise in motor vehicle accidents during the holidays include:

• Drinking and driving after attending holiday parties
• Shorter days leading to more people driving after sundown
• Holiday stress causing distracted driving or road rage
• Increased traffic from holiday travel and holiday shopping

Tips for Driving Safely During the Holidays

Whether simply driving around town or taking a road trip to visit family and friends, here are some tips to help keep you safe out on the road this holiday season:

• Never drink and drive – If you consume any alcohol at a holiday party or family gathering, make plans to get home safely. This includes calling a cab or rideshare, taking public transit, having a designated driver, or staying over at your family’s or friend’s home for the night. 
• Follow all traffic laws – While you might be in a rush during the holidays, resist the temptation to speed or engage in other careless or reckless driving behavior. If necessary, leave earlier to give yourself enough time to get to your destination even if you get stuck in traffic or face weather delays.
• Stay calm – Holiday stress can make it much easier for people to lose their cool behind the wheel and engage in aggressive or reckless driving. Avoid tailgating, trying to beat traffic lights, or cutting into traffic.
• Take it easy on road trips – If going on a long road trip, remember to take frequent breaks to get out of the car, stretch, and have some water or something to eat. If you are driving with multiple drivers, consider taking turns behind the wheel to avoid fatigue.
• Avoid nighttime driving as much as possible – Try to plan your travel during daytime hours. If you drive late at night or early in the morning, you are much more likely to feel drowsy or fatigued. 

What to Do After an Accident

If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, steps you need to take to protect your legal rights include:

• Take photos and videos of the accident scene
• See a doctor or medical provider as soon as possible to diagnose your injuries
• Notify your auto insurance provider
• Keep copies of bills/invoices/receipts as well as your pay stubs/income statements
• Speak to a car accident attorney to get started on preparing and pursuing your legal claims

Contact a Hamilton Township Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Motor Vehicle Accident Case in New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries because of a motor vehicle 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 Hartman Duff, LLC represent clients injured by motor vehicle accidents in Hamilton Township, Ewing Township, Lawrence Township, Princeton, and throughout New Jersey. Call 609-853-5579 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2681 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton Township, NJ 08619.

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.