The holiday season is a time for family gatherings and celebrations. However, it also tends to bring an unfortunate increase in car accidents. Should the unthinkable happen, and you get hurt in a crash, an auto accident attorney can help protect your rights.
With packed schedules, crowded streets, and seasonal stress, drivers face unique risks during this time of the year. Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons for accidents during the holidays.
1. Increased Traffic and Congestion
Most areas see a surge in traffic around Thanksgiving and Christmas as people travel to visit family, shop for gifts, and attend holiday events. In Texas, popular cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin get even more crowded than usual during this time, and that can lead to some dangerous driving conditions.
Congested roads often lead to erratic lane changes, sudden stops, and rear-end collisions. Drivers tend to feel more stressed or impatient than they typically do, which makes accidents more likely to happen.
The easiest way to stay safe is to plan your trips outside of peak traffic hours. You can also use real-time traffic apps to avoid high-congestion areas as you travel, and it’s always a good idea to stay a safe following distance from the cars ahead of you.
Perhaps most importantly, even if you’re running late, try to stay patient and keep a calm head. No matter where you’re going, it’ll still be there when you arrive. It’s better to get there late than not get there at all.
2. Drunk Driving
Many holiday parties serve alcohol, and unfortunately, some drivers make the dangerous decision to drive impaired. Drunk driving incidents spike significantly around Christmas and New Year’s, making the last half of December the most dangerous time to be on the road.
Drunk driving slows judgment, reaction times, and coordination — and those factors make an already bad situation even worse. In 2020, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that crashes involving an impaired driver killed 937 people between December 14 and January 1, 2021.
If you plan to drink at a holiday party, make arrangements for a designated driver, rideshare, or taxi. Even if you don’t drink, be extra defensive in your driving. Make sure to watch for erratic drivers, especially late at night. Call local law enforcement if you see anyone you suspect to be driving drunk.
3. Drowsy Driving
At this time of year, a lot of people go on long road trips to get home and visit family in another state. Fatigue becomes a serious concern when drivers start to push themselves to cover those long distances without resting.
Drowsy driving impairs reaction times and coordination just as badly as impaired driving. In fact, according to research, being awake for 24 hours is the same as having a 0.10% blood alcohol level.
Tired drivers are much more likely to drift out of their lanes and not notice road hazards, so take breaks every couple of hours on long road trips. Stop somewhere for the night if you feel too tired to continue safely. If you’re with other people, take turns driving so that everyone can have a break.
4. Reckless Driving
It’s no secret that people get stressed out during the holidays. Drivers juggling last-minute shopping, party plans, and tight schedules sometimes give in to road rage and reckless behaviors like speeding, aggressive lane hopping, and tailgating.
Reckless driving greatly increases the chances of being in a crash, as high speeds and unpredictable maneuvers leave everyone else with less time to react. Add some extra time to your schedule to avoid feeling rushed. Stay defensive on the road and avoid confrontations with angry drivers.
5. Weather-Related Hazards
Texas doesn’t often see extreme winters like they do in the northern states, but the weather can still be a problem. Icy roads, fog, and heavy rain can be just as treacherous as a major snowstorm.
If there’s any chance of problematic weather, make sure your tires are in good condition and properly inflated before you head out. High-beam headlights will mostly reflect in heavy rain and fog, so stick to the low beams. Always drive for the conditions, meaning slow down to a safe speed, even if it’s below the posted speed limit.
How an Auto Accident Attorney Can Help
Even if you take all of these precautions, you can’t control what other drivers do. If you’re involved in a crash during the holidays, an auto accident lawyer can give you the support you need and help you pursue compensation.
An attorney will make sure nothing gets overlooked as your case progresses, and they know what kind of evidence is needed to prove liability. They’ll also talk to witnesses and go over crash reports to strengthen your case even further. When it’s time to negotiate with insurance, they’ll do so on your behalf.
FAQ
What Should I Do Immediately After a Holiday Car Accident?
Call emergency services. If it’s safe to get out of the car, exchange information with other drivers, and take photos and videos of the scene. Then, contact an auto accident attorney right away.
Does Weather Affect Who’s at Fault in an Auto Accident?
Bad weather doesn’t absolve anyone from poor driving habits. Drivers are still expected to travel at a safe speed and be as careful as possible when on the roads.
Can I File a Claim Even if I Was Partially Responsible for the Accident?
Texas law follows a comparative negligence rule, so as long as you’re less than 51% at fault, you can still collect payment for your losses.
Protect Yourself This Holiday Season
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a holiday accident, contact an auto accident lawyer at Ramsey Law Group for a free consultation. We’ll help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.