Don't Be Holi-Dazed And Confused - Find Out The Facts And Safety Tips Before You Hit The Road For Seasonal Festivities

Holidays bring great joy, merriment, and connection with friends and family. Unfortunately, the holidays also often bring an increase in car accidents and collisions, as many individuals choose to drive rather than fly, take the train, or ride the bus, thinking they will be able to better avoid the crowds. Instead, they end up subjecting themselves to the heightened dangers of negligent and reckless drivers on the road.

This holiday season, educate yourself on the facts about car accidents and how you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe as you move forward into the new year. If you need a personal injury lawyer, the esteemed car accident attorneys at Trust Guss are always here to help. We offer no-cost case evaluations seven days a week, 365 days a year. Day or night, you will always connect with a live agent when you reach out to us.

Which Holiday Sees the Most Collisions?

Getting on the road during the holidays can be stressful for multiple reasons. However, knowing the statistics as they relate to accidents during the holidays can help you navigate your travel plans from a more knowledgeable and prepared position. Below are some findings made by a ValuePenguin study that looked at fatalities over a four-year period:

• The highest rate of accidents occurred on Memorial Day Weekend, with an average of 312 fatalities from car crashes per year.
• Labor Day and the 4th of July had the next highest rate of accidents – 308 and 307 per year, respectively.
• The most dangerous cities to drive in during the holidays were Houston, San Antonio, and Los Angeles.
• The most dangerous road in the country during Thanksgiving and Christmas was I-10, stretching from California to Florida while weaving through Texas.
• The region of the country most likely to have car accidents overall was the Southeastern United States.

Drunk Driving Abounds During the Holidays

Celebration often means drinking, and drinking usually means more drunk drivers on the road. Holidays in Texas usually come with a 33% increase in drunk driver collisions, injuries, and fatalities. Most people are familiar with Black Friday, but an unofficial holiday known as Blackout Wednesday (the day before Thanksgiving) is also a real thing. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released data stating that around 41 people in a recent year died in drunk driver-related accidents between 6 pm on Blackout Wednesday and 6 am on Thanksgiving, an average of almost one fatality every quarter of an hour. 

Traffic cops are on high alert during the holidays, especially on Blackout Wednesday. They remain hypervigilant, looking for drivers who might be under the influence. Drunk drivers not only risk getting DUIs and having their vehicles impounded, but they also risk the safety of others around them. If you plan to drink during the holidays, make sure you have a designated driver in your group before you leave home. And if you see others on their way to party, make sure you caution them to do the same.

Safety Tips for Avoiding Holiday Accidents

If you’ve read the accident statistics and you’re now wondering how to avoid holiday car crashes, you’re in luck. Our firm has provided several key recommendations to help you stay safe on the road as you venture into the season of festivities.

• Get your vehicle serviced – Before undertaking any major road trip, you should get your car inspected, especially if you expect to be driving in poor weather conditions. Make sure to replace faulty parts and check your oil, brakes, tires, battery, filters, and fluids. Ensuring all your lights are in working order is also critical.
• Leave plenty of travel time and avoid rushing – It is normal to want to arrive on time to an important event or celebration. However, in order to do this, you need to plan ahead and leave yourself enough time to drive to your destination without speeding or rushing. Estimate the amount of time it will take to travel to where you are going and then factor in extra time for pit stops, bathroom breaks, and meals. Then, add a little more time to deal with the unexpected.
• Prepare for emergencies – The last thing you want during the holidays is to get stranded or be stuck dealing with an emergency. Pack the following just in case:
  • A first aid kit
  • Jumper cables
  • Flashlights
  • Reflectors or flares
  • A spare tire and tire-changing kit
  • Disposable gloves
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Paper towels
  • Snacks
  • Water
  • Solar-powered phone charger
• Keep a full tank of gas – Even when you think you don’t really need it, always top off your tank and keep your car full of gas. You won’t always be able to tell how far the next gas station will be, and the small amount of gas that you add to the tank may end up making a huge difference.
• Don’t drive while exhausted – One major cause of accidents on the road is fatigue and exhaustion. Never drive for more than 8 hours without rest. The best thing to do is to split the driving with other passengers so every person has a chance to sleep and recharge.
• Don’t drive at night – If at all possible, avoid being on the road after dark. It’s better to wake up at 4 am and start your journey early than to be caught having to drive late at night. Studies have shown that night driving can lead to more accidents since it can be harder to see motorcyclists and drunk drivers coming.
• Choose a designated driver – Although this tip is last, it really should be your number one priority. Everyone enjoys a nice drink with friends and family during the holidays. But drinking can impair your judgment even if you feel totally fine. Assigning a designated driver can take the pressure off and allow you to relax and truly enjoy your cocktails or eggnog without worrying about putting your loved ones or others on the road in danger. If you do choose to host a party where alcohol is served, make sure there is a designated driver for each group of guests. And don’t be afraid to put your put down and take someone’s keys away if you suspect they have been drinking.

Happy Holidays from the Personal Injury Lawyers at Trust Guss

The major causes of accidents during the holidays are drunk driving, fatigued driving, distracted driving, and speeding. By taking the proper precautions and planning ahead, you can be that family that protects others rather than endangering them. Never get behind the wheel if you’re intoxicated, exhausted, angry, or distracted. After all, the holidays are a time to celebrate the joy of togetherness – not stress, danger, and irresponsibility. 

And if you do get into an accident due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, know that our personal injury lawyers are here to help you 24/7. We provide no-cost case evaluations and work on a contingency fee basis, so you have nothing to lose by contacting us. Call our firm today to get the compassionate legal advocacy you and your loved ones deserve.