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Holidays are an excellent time for all involved. The gathering of people, the food cooked and shared between friends and family, and the special memories created can be treasured for a lifetime. With holidays, however, it’s not just you on the road heading for your destination. Many people are driving alongside you– more than at any other time of the year. Not all holidays are the same; however, some are more dangerous than others. Knowing when to heighten your awareness before heading out on the road could save you from an accident.
What Holidays are the Most Dangerous?
According to the American Safety Council, the most dangerous holidays are:
- The Fourth of July, with nearly 58,000 serious injuries reported
- Thanksgiving, with 500 fatalities in 5 years
- New Year’s Day
- Christmas
- Labor Day
- Memorial Day
These holidays have one thing in common: drinking. Many people consume adult beverages during these holidays, with an increase in the summer months. This spike in drinking, in turn, causes an increase in drunk driving during these holidays. Additionally, during winter holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, there can be stressed or tired drivers on the road. These drivers have slower reaction times and reduced cognitive ability, making them more likely to be involved in an accident.
How to Stay Safe
During the holiday season, staying safe is a matter of prior preparation. Ensure you get adequate rest to prevent the fatigued driving that plagues many on the roads during the winter holidays. The only way to combat drowsy driving is to sleep, so make sure that if you are driving long distances, you schedule breaks at rest stops to recharge and refresh yourself. To combat drunk driving during the summer and spring holidays, either plan to take a taxi or rideshare to and from the event you are attending or designate one person to be a sober driver.
Have You Been In an Accident this Holiday Season?
If you’ve been in an accident during the holidays, the skilled personal injury attorneys at Shane Smith Law can help if you've been in an accident during the holidays. Contact us at (980) 246-2656 or contact us through our website for a free consultation. Our team has over fifty years of experience and can help you understand your options.