Safety Reminders When Traveling During the Holiday Season

Holiday Safety Tips For Motorists

The holiday season is a great time to travel and see family and friends. However, there are some risks to be aware of. Specifically, the period between Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day often sees an uptick in drunk driving crashes. According to the NationalCenter for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), “Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among 16- to 24-year-olds, and Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day is the deadliest time of year on the nation’s roads.”

These safety tips can help keep yourself and others safe this holiday season.

Plan Your Route and Avoid Busy Roads if Possible

One of the best ways to stay safe on the roads during the holiday season is to plan your route ahead of time. This way, you can avoid busy roads and areas where there is likely to be more traffic. If you must travel on a busy road, be sure to allow yourself extra time so you won’t feel the need to rush and speed to your destination.

Make Sure Your Vehicle is in Good Condition Before Heading Out

Another safety reminder for holiday travel is to ensure your vehicle is in good condition before heading out. This means checking things like your tires, brakes, and lights. You should also ensure that you have enough gas in your tank to avoid getting stuck on the road.

Don’t Drink and Drive

This safety reminder applies year-round but is crucial during the holiday season. According to a 2022 report analysis of drunk driving deaths by Money Geek, New Year’s Day is the most dangerous day of the year, with a higher-than-average risk of a DUI fatality of 116%. If you plan on having drinks, have a designated driver or take public transportation. Drinking and driving is never a good idea and can lead to accidents or, even worse — fatalities.

Watch Out For Pedestrians

During the holiday season, there are often more pedestrians on the roads. This is because people are out shopping or running errands. Watch out for pedestrians, especially when making turns or backing out of parking lots or other areas.

Follow the Speed Limit

Speeding is one of the leading causes of car accidents. During the holiday season, there is often more traffic on the roads, making speeding even more dangerous. Be sure to follow posted speed limits, and in inclement weather, such as rain, sleet, or snow, reduce your speed to adjust for the road conditions.

Don’t Drive Distracted

With so much going on during the holidays, it’s easy to get distracted. However, it’s essential to stay focused on the task at hand — driving. Don’t let yourself get distracted by things like your phone, other passengers, or the radio.

Buckle Up

There’s no way to predict being involved in a car crash, so ensuring you and your passengers wear your seatbelt can critically reduce your risk of severe injuries or death. According to the latest data from the NHTSA, seatbelt use saved an estimated 14,955 lives in 2017. The NHTSA also reports that in 2020, 23,824 vehicle occupants were killed in car crashes and 51% of those who died were not wearing seat restraints.

Injured in a Car Accident? Our Denver Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help.

No one should suffer because of someone else’s negligence on the road. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, our lawyers can help. We have experience handling all types of car accident cases, and we are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

At Denver Trial Lawyers®, we provide completely confidential consultations. Please don’t hesitate to contact us: (303) 647-9990.