The holiday season is a busy time; everybody is on the go visiting friends and family, shopping, or heading to celebrate. Thus, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) regularly reports a higher rate of motor vehicle crashes during the holiday period compared to the non-holiday season. In 2017, for example, the number of motor vehicle crash fatalities during the holiday season averaged 119 per day compared to 102 for other times of the year. The holiday season can be an especially stressful period for Florida residents, since tourists flock to Florida’s beautiful beaches and sunny coastline in droves during the holidays for vacation. Florida roads can be a dangerous place to be from Thanksgiving to New Year, thanks to distracted drivers, cluttered roads, and heavy partying. Read on to learn more about common causes of car accidents during the holiday season and how to stay safe.
Avoiding Common Car Accident Causes During The Holiday Season
- Intoxicated drivers: The holidays typically come with lots of parties and gatherings with friends, families, and coworkers. This means an increase in drivers who may be behind the wheel while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Substances decrease drivers’ response times significantly and increase the likelihood of aggressive or unsafe driving. To avoid drunk drivers, try to limit your nighttime trips, along with any areas heavily known for bars and nightlife. If you are attending any gatherings or parties with alcohol, make sure to have a designated driver you trust.
- Tourists: Tourists are a huge cause of holiday car accidents in Florida due to the fact that they flock to Florida on vacation but are unfamiliar with the roads and terrain. The simple increase in drivers unfamiliar with their surroundings significantly raises the likelihood of car accidents. Confusing roads plus lost tourists equal car accidents. While it’s impossible to avoid such accidents other than driving as safely as possible, you should remember to take immediate legal action if you get into an accident with a tourist who is visiting. Snowbirds may leave the state before you’ve started the legal process and make things more complicated.
- Taxi and Ridesharing Apps: Uber and Lyft are a great option for getting around when you’re drinking and/or traveling, but unfortunately they may also cause road accidents. The drivers for rideshare apps don’t always practice appropriate road safety since they are often out of their own area and require navigation devices to find their way to the destination. Navigation apps can be distracting and divert attention away from the road, leading to crashes and injuries. Always wear your seatbelt even in an Uber or taxi, since it could mean the difference between a significant and minor injury.
- Drivers who are distracted: Distracted driving is always a major cause of accidents, but worsens during the holiday season due to the increased potential of drivers being inebriated and congested roads. Try and pay extra attention to others on the road, and change lanes immediately if you see a driver swerving or checking their phone. You can also try and avoid busy roads and highways; it may take longer to get to your destination, but it’s probably safer.
Contact Us Today
Stay safe and enjoy being with family and friends this holiday season. If you get into a car accident, you will need a trusted car accident attorney on your side. Call Terry M. Rosenblum & Associates in Hollywood, FL to schedule a consultation today.