22 Dec

Auto Accident Attorney Florida

The Holidays Can Bring Higher Traffic Risks

As we enter the last quarter of the year, many people will focus on preparing for a happy holiday season. The holidays are an active time for many families, with plenty of shopping, numerous celebrations, office parties, gatherings with friends and family, cookie and gift exchanges, and much more. This is a hectic enough season without a traffic accident and injuries throwing a wrench into your plans and disrupting your life.

Unfortunately, higher traffic-related risks present themselves during these otherwise joy-filled seasons. The following are only some reasons why you should take extra care out on the roads before, during, and after the holidays.

Road Trip

Many people pack up their cars and head out to visit family and friends for a holiday. Any time you spend hours in the car on the highway, you risk serious accidents. However, you can prepare and avoid creating an accident risk yourself.

  • Know your route and give yourself plenty of time to get there so that you are not tempted to speed or drive aggressively. Have your GPS programmed so you don’t have to look at your phone while driving.
  • Plan ahead and ensure that you have all the snacks and entertainment your family will want. Dealing with children or other matters while you drive can create dangerous situations.
  • When possible, have a mechanic inspect and tune up your car to avoid any malfunctions.
  • Recognize when you are getting fatigued and take a break from driving.

Parking Lots

When most people think of traffic accidents, they may not think of parking lots. However, these are prime locations for accidents during the bustling holiday season. Most people are in a hurry and may not take the time to properly look before they back out of parking spots. This can lead a driver to crash into another vehicle or even into a pedestrian.

Drunk Drivers

As mentioned, the holidays are often times for celebration, which often involve indulging in delicious food and beverages. This also means that many holiday travelers regularly try to drive home after they have had too much to drink. Police try to increase drunk driving enforcement during the holidays. However, many people do not get caught until it is too late—and they have already caused drunk driving crashes and serious injuries.

More Semi-Trucks on the Highway

Stores have to order and stock extra inventory for the rush of holiday shoppers, and this inventory is delivered via commercial trucks. With more trucks out on the highways, more have the chance to crash. Many kinds of truck accidents can cause devastating injuries, so be especially careful when driving around these large vehicles this holiday season.

Contact a Tampa Car Accident Law Firm for Assistance Today

At Florida Law Group, we hope everyone enjoys the holidays without accidents or injuries. If you are injured, however, we are on your side. If you would like to discuss your options after an accident, please contact us online or call today at 813-463-8880 to schedule your free consultation.