According to information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are four days considered the “deadliest of the year.” Two of these deadly days include December 23rd and 24th. Additionally, a study from the Center for Advanced Public Safety at the University of Alabama reinforces that the six-day period, which includes Christmas Day, 18 percent more car accidents than Thanksgiving, and 27 percent more than New Year’s Day.
If you are involved in a car accident that is not your fault, and suffer an injury, you may have the right to file an accident claim. You should hire an attorney to find out what your rights are. It is also a good idea to learn why car accidents are more frequent around the holidays.
Driving While Buzzed or Drunk Increased Car Accidents
According to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, almost 40 percent of all fatalities that occurred during the Christmas holiday period involved at least one driver who was impaired by alcohol. If you are having a great time, celebrating the holidays, then the tendency to overindulge becomes real. While you may know you should not drink and drive, even “just a few” can have serious consequences. It is best to avoid getting behind the wheel, even if a person only has one or two drinks.
Increased Holiday Stress Leads to More Car Accidents
The stress related to coordinating holiday events, holiday shopping and more can all lead to increased amounts of stress. This is another reason that accidents increase during the holiday season. When you get stuck in holiday traffic jams or trying to rush to arrive at your destination, you may become sloppy when it comes to safety, and neglect the rules of the road. The stress of the holidays can create mental distractions, resulting in the higher likelihood of a car accident.
Car Accidents Increase Due to More Vehicles Being on the Road
During the month of December, there are more vehicles on the road than at other times during the year. This results in the potential of more car accidents. A factor that compounds this issue is when out-of-towners are added to the mix. People traveling in the area will not be familiar with the roads, which can result in the possibility of more accidents. As a result, it is best for people who will be driving to give themselves more time to reach their destination.
Improper Vehicle Maintenance Leads to More Car Accidents
Another reason that more auto accidents may occur during the holidays is because drivers begin skimping on vehicle maintenance and instead use the money to buy gifts. You may need new brakes or tires, but wait until the New Year to make sure you can buy everyone a gift. This is never a good idea and may result in you being stranded on the side of the road. The best way to avoid car accidents and make sure you arrive at your destination safely is by investing in vehicle maintenance during the holiday season, just like you would during other times of the year.
If you are involved in a car accident during the holidays and it was the result of someone else’s fault or negligent action, you should hire an attorney. They can review the facts of your case and determine whether or not you have the right to file a lawsuit.
More information about car accident lawsuits and how to handle a situation can be found by contacting the attorneys at Hilton and Somer by calling (703) 560-0700.
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