Five Most Common Driving Hazards During The Holiday Season

This time of year is usually filled with as much joy as it is stress. With the winter holidays finally upon us, it’s important to remember that auto accident rates increase significantly. In order to stay safe and enjoy the happy holidays, it’s important to understand the hazards on the roads. Here are the five most common causes of accidents during the holiday season:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is the number one cause of accidents year round, so it’s no surprise it is number one during the holidays. Whether drivers are looking at Christmas lights instead of the road, checking store hours and driving directions, or simply calling their families to coordinate holiday festivities, the facts are they are not paying attention to the road. If you are driving, make sure that you don’t get distracted by the holiday activities and take care to drive defensively.

Impaired Driving

Many of us like to indulge in the holiday spirits and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, if we get behind the wheel, even after just one glass of eggnog, we are putting our lives and the lives of others at risk. Never drive after drinking and intervene if you see someone who’s had a few drinks as the ball dropped on New Year’s Eve try to drive. Also, if you see anyone on the roads that looks to be driving drunk, contact law enforcement.

Stressed Driving

There are so many demands on us during the holidays. We have to do all the shopping, go to multiple events, and deal with increasing financial pressures. All of these things can lead us to become stressed out. Driving while you are stressed can lead to a number of dangerous driving behaviors including aggressive driving, distracted driving, and speeding. If you are feeling stressed out, pull over and take a minute to relax. Even if you are running late, it’s not worth the risk to your life. Do the same if you are in a car with someone driving aggressively and keep your eyes out for road rage from other drivers.

Fatigued Driving

The holidays aren’t just stressful, they can also be pretty exhausting. Working extra hours for our holiday bonuses, staying up late to bake cookies or attend parties, and running extra errands can be really taxing. Driving while tired is very dangerous, so if you are feeling yourself nodding off while on the road this holiday season, pull over and rest until you can drive safely again.

Poor Weather Conditions

Now luckily in Florida, we don’t have to deal with the same dangerous weather conditions they do in other states. However, most of us here are transplants from the North. So the holidays mean heading home. After living in Florida for so long, many of us forget how to drive in the snow, sleet, and hail. Dangerous weather conditions can be a serious hazard for drivers, so if you don’t feel comfortable driving in poor weather pull over. Also make sure to listen to the local weather reports, so you can prepare for any hazardous driving conditions.

At All Injuries Law Firm, we want everyone to have a safe and happy holiday. We hope these tips help everyone stay a little safer so they can enjoy the festivities with their families and friends. However, if you do get into an accident this season, give us a call at 1-941-625-HURT. We’re always here to help even during the holidays.