The holiday season is here! And there’s no better way to celebrate this festive season than by getting together with family and friends!
But while the Christmas holiday is the perfect occasion for merrymaking, it is also one of the deadliest times of the year for traffic accidents because more people are in a celebratory mode and consuming alcohol. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), around “371 people may die on U.S. roads this Christmas Day holiday period.”
Keeping this figure in mind, you must do all you can to avoid becoming a part of the statistics. After all, Christmas is supposed to be a joyous celebration with loved ones – not a time to meet with auto accidents lawyers and deal with the tragic consequences of a car crash.
Following these tips will help you avoid auto accidents this Christmas:
It’s never a good idea to drive after consuming any amount of alcohol. Remember that “buzzed” driving is still drunk driving, so if you consume some alcohol at a family gathering or a workplace party, don’t attempt to drive yourself home.
If you’re planning to drink at a party, don’t forget to delegate a designated driver or, better yet, call a cab.
A lot of people are rushing to get somewhere during Christmas, mostly on their way to a party or for some last-minute Christmas shopping. No matter how pressed for time you are, resist the temptation to speed. There are more cars on the road during the holiday season, some operated intoxicated or impaired drivers
If possible, leave for your destination early so you have plenty of time for travel.
Many drivers make the mistake of following the vehicle in front of them too closely. If the driver of the vehicle in front suddenly slams on the brakes, there’s a higher risk for collision.
Statistics reveal that rear-end collisions are the most common type of traffic accident. To avoid this, make sure to keep a safe distance from the car in front of you.
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of road accidents and highway fatalities across the country. And while all forms of driving distractions are dangerous, the use of mobile phones is the most concerning.
Always pay your full attention to the road when you’re driving, especially when you’re navigating through highways or in congested areas like malls and shopping centers – not just during the Christmas season but all-year-round.
