While the holidays can be a time for celebrating with family and catching up with friends, they are also some of the most dangerous times to be out on the road. According to a study conducted by the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA), outside of the 4th of July, the risk of motor vehicle accidents may be highest during the time surrounding Christmas and New Year’s Eve. As 2016 winds down, we here at Foley Griffin want to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
Why is there an increase in the number of accidents during the holiday season?
- The stress of the holidays: Between coordinating large family gatherings and making last minute preparations before all the stores close, people often feel as if every minute of their day is scheduled. If a driver becomes preoccupied in thought or attempts to save time by performing tasks (such as calling a family member) while driving, the resulting distraction can increase the risk of accidents.
- A spike in traffic: Whether you only need to head a few blocks over or across state lines, if you plan on driving, it is likely that you will run into holiday traffic. As families across America pack their bags and hit the road to visit family and friends, December sees a surge in traffic each year.
- Drunk drivers: While the danger of drunk driving is no secret, it continues to be a problem out on the road. The abundance of holiday parties and celebrations can lead to situations where some attendees may not plan ahead for the end of the night. When a person makes the choice to get behind the wheel after having a few drinks, they put everyone on the road in danger.
Spotting Drunk Drivers
The NHTSA conducts studies on the effects of alcohol on driving and has categorized signs of intoxicated driving into four main groups. While the following is far from a conclusive list, staying vigilant can help you to spot and avoid drunk drivers.
Possible signs of intoxicated driving can include:
- Inability to stay within the chosen driving lane
- Failure to drive or maintain a safe or consistent speed
- Failure to notice and adjust to driving conditions
- Inability to judge the distance of other cars and objects on the road
Between a drastic increase in traffic as well as drunk drivers, the stress and excitement of the holidays can lead to an increase in accidents. In the event that tragedy strikes and you or a loved one is injured in a crash, it is critical to hold negligent drivers responsible for their actions. At Foley Griffin, we help car accident victims get the money they need to pay damages including pain & suffering, missed work, and medical bills. Our Nassau County personal injury attorneys can bring more than 75 years of collective experience to your claim.
If you would like help with a specific legal problem or would like to learn more about the services we offer, call (888) 966-8480 or contact us online.