Holiday Dangers: What You Need to Know Before You Get on the Road

The holidays are almost upon us, and while this is generally a time to celebrate, it is, unfortunately, one of the most dangerous times of the year for drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are more car accident fatalities during the holiday season than at any other time of year. This is most often due to increased travel times on the roads, increased alcohol use, and more aggressive driving. 

Car accidents and the resulting injuries and damage are always difficult to deal with, but they can be especially frustrating and challenging during the holiday season. The last thing you want to deal with when you have gatherings to attend and presents to buy are medical expenses, loss of wages, and injuries to recover from. 

If you find yourself the victim of a car accident this holiday season, the personal injury experts at the law office of Lunsford, Baskin & Priebe, PLLC, are here to help. Our team can help you get the compensation you need to cover your losses and expenses so you can focus on recovering and spending time with your family. 

The Dangers of Driving During the Holidays

The holidays can be chaotic and stressful. Often, tensions are higher during the holiday season, leading to more aggressive and careless driving. In addition to the number of drivers on the road, weather conditions tend to be worse during the holiday season. It’s also not uncommon for more than one driver to be at fault during this time of year. 

With drivers being at higher risk of both causing and being victims of accidents during the holidays, you need to be mindful and take your time when out driving. It’s easy to get worked up and lose your patience any time of the year, but it’s especially important to keep your cool and stay calm when driving during the holidays if you want to avoid an accident. 

The dangers of driving during the holidays include:

• Increased traffic: With so many people traveling, shopping, and out attending events, there are more cars on the road. This means travel times are extended, and you are more likely to get stuck in traffic jams and delays. It also puts drivers at higher risk for causing or getting into an accident. 
• Stressed, fatigued, and aggressive drivers: As we mentioned above, tensions are high during the holiday season. We are usually taking on a lot more this time of year than we usually would, which means we are more stressed and tired, leading to a decrease in patience and an increase in careless and aggressive driving. 

• Increased alcohol use: Of course, more parties and events mean more alcohol use. Drivers are more likely to drive drunk during the holidays, which means the number of drunk driving accidents goes up. 

• Inclement weather: While Mississippi generally has mild winters, it is not unheard of for there to be rainfall, sleet, and even snow in some parts of the state during the colder months. When the holidays already bring increased traffic and aggressive driving, inclement weather can just make it worse and cause more accidents. 

Safety Tips for Avoiding Car Accidents During the Holidays

Unless you simply don’t drive at all, you are likely to run into any of the dangers mentioned above. However, there are tips you can follow and steps you can take to avoid finding yourself the victim of a car accident this holiday season. 

• Give yourself extra time: Running into traffic during the holidays is pretty unavoidable. However, if you prepare yourself for this ahead of time by leaving earlier and keeping a level head about it, you won’t be as stressed when you inevitably find yourself stuck in a jam. 
• Prepare your car: In case you get stuck in your car for long periods of time, make sure you are prepared. Fill up your tank before going too far, bring snacks and a first-aid kit in case of emergencies, and throw a blanket and a flashlight in the back in case you find yourself stranded in the cold at night. 
• Try to drive during less popular hours: If you can, avoid the roads during rush hour. If you need to go out shopping, you can avoid some of the crowds and the traffic by going when the stores first open or right before they close. 
• Keep calm, stay alert, and drive responsibly:  So many people tend to head out on the roads in “offense mode” during the holidays. This means people tend to drive more aggressively with only themselves and their goal or destination in mind. However, the key to avoiding accidents is to be patient and drive defensively. It’s better to be calm and stay aware of other drivers and potential dangers. 

Connect with an Experienced Mississippi Personal Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one are injured in a car accident this holiday season, our team of experienced attorneys can help. We believe in providing compassionate legal services to those in need, especially during stressful holiday months. Our goal is to help you get the compensation you need to cover damages and injuries related to the accident so you can focus on your health and spend time with your loved ones.  

For a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Mississippi, contact Lunsford, Baskin, and Priebe, PLLC. After-hours visits are available.