How to Avoid Car and Truck Accidents During the Holiday Season
The holidays are a time for gift-giving, get-togethers, and good cheer.
Unfortunately, they are also a time for heavy traffic, hazardous weather conditions, and a high rate of impaired drivers. With the increased risk of an accident, it is vital that you drive defensively throughout this time of year.
Taking care to avoid hazards and remain aware of your surroundings can improve your chances of staying safe. Here are a few suggestions for avoiding car and truck accidents throughout the holiday season.
Stay Sober
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of the most dangerous behaviors you could engage in this holiday season. These substances can reduce your inhibitions, leading to reckless choices. Alcohol can also slow your reflexes and make it difficult to react to changing road conditions in time to avoid a crash.
Avoid Fatigue
Driving while tired can be just as dangerous as operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. The effects on your body are the same, including delayed reaction times and inhibited decision-making. You are also at risk of falling asleep behind the wheel, which can have traumatic consequences.
Keeping Calm
The holiday season often brings a mix of joy and stress, with crowded roads, tight schedules, and last-minute errands creating the perfect conditions for frustration behind the wheel. Staying calm is essential for ensuring your safety and the safety of others. If traffic or aggressive drivers start to test your patience, avoid reacting impulsively. Instead of engaging with reckless drivers, focus on your own driving, maintain a safe distance, and let them pass without escalation.
Plan Ahead
If you have flexibility when it comes to the time you travel, it is a good idea to take advantage of it. Planning ahead and only leaving the house when the conditions are as favorable as possible could help you avoid a crash.
Certain times and locations are far more likely to result in a crash. For example, a roadway near a busy shopping mall is particularly dangerous during afternoon hours, but that same road might not be nearly as congested in the early morning. Plan your routes and time your trips to reduce the risk of a collision.
Talk to Slager Madry LLC After an Accident During the Holidays
Despite your best efforts, it is not always possible to avoid an accident. You have no choice but to share the road with other motorists, and many of them will not take care to avoid a collision.
If you have been hurt in a crash, the personal injury lawyers of Slager Madry LLC are here to help. We understand what is at stake and will work tirelessly to secure the result you deserve. Contact us right away to learn more.