Car Accident
The holiday season has begun. While this should be a happy time of year, it’s important for motorists and pedestrians to know that fatal auto accidents and pedestrian accidents are more common during the holidays. This is confirmed by data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
There are several reasons accidents happen more frequently during the holidays than during other times of the year. They include (but aren’t limited to) the following:
The holiday season is a time for celebration. For some, celebrating the holidays involves overindulging in alcohol. If someone gets behind the wheel after having too much to drink, they can put themselves and others in harm’s way.
It’s not uncommon for those leaving holiday parties to do so at late hours of the night. They may be tired when driving at such hours. Additionally, it’s more difficult for drivers to spot hazards at night. You can protect yourself by striving to avoid driving at night during the holiday whenever possible. If you must drive at night, exercise caution when near other motorists and pedestrians.
Many people are out shopping and traveling during the holidays. This can result in crowded roads. The more vehicles there are on the road, the more chances there are for accidents to happen. On top of that, dense traffic, shopping stress, and other factors may cause some drivers to be more vulnerable to road rage during the holidays than they would normally be. Thus, they might be less likely to prioritize safety when on the road.
Many who travel for the holidays to visit family and friends might find themselves driving in areas they aren’t familiar with. This can increase their odds of causing accidents. Someone unfamiliar with an area’s roads might be less able to navigate them safely than someone who knows their way around.
True, drivers can rely on GPS to help them find their destinations, but there’s reason to believe GPS directions can be distracting. Some accidents occur because drivers are paying too much attention to their GPS programs and not enough attention to the road.
In a state like Pennsylvania, the holiday season coincides with what can be a very cold time of year. Accidents may therefore happen with relatively high frequency during the holidays because motorists are forced to drive in icy and/or snowy conditions.
There are various steps you can take to reduce your chances of being harmed in an auto or pedestrian accident this holiday season. They include:
However, even if you’re a responsible motorist, it’s still possible to be injured in an accident resulting from someone else’s negligence. If you are harmed in an auto accident or pedestrian this holiday season, a Philadelphia car accident attorney at Dan Doyle Law Group can help you pursue financial compensation for your losses. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us at 215-987-3730.
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