During the holiday season, the streets are crowded with people and traffic in Buffalo and the neighboring suburbs can be a nightmare. While some of the frustrations you experience as a driver are weather-related, others are related to the increase in traffic caused by holiday shoppers. During this time of year, the potential for heavy traffic and bad weather also brings a greater risk for car accidents.
According to the USA Today , the National Safety Council has determined that the Thanksgiving holiday weekend (including Black Friday), Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day are among the most dangerous holidays for travelers.
Although drinking plays a role in many motor vehicle accidents around the holidays, distracted driving , more vehicles on the road, and frantic holiday shopping can also turn a quick trip into a potential disaster.
Tips for Safe Driving During the Holidays
The following are a few reminders to enhance our safety on the road during the holidays:
1. Drinking and Driving .
As we know, drinking alcohol slows reaction time and impairs judgment - the essential skills needed to drive a car safely. The more alcohol you consume, the greater the impairment. Take a cab, call for a ride, or have a designated sober driver.
Walking home intoxicated is not a safe alternative to drinking and driving. Numerous pedestrian accidents occur during the holidays as well. The same impairment of your motor skills and judgment that makes drunk driving dangerous can make walking while intoxicated dangerous as well.
2. Slow down .
Allow plenty of time to get to your destination.
3. If drowsy, take a nap .
If you are planning to visit out-of-town or out-of-state family or friends during the holidays, make sure you map out a safe trip. Don’t over-extend yourself and try to drive too long of a distance at once. Take a break when feeling drowsy. Take advantage of rest stops. Drive defensively.
4. Texting and Driving is as dangerous as Drinking and Driving.
When you text, you take your eyes off the road. Even talking on the phone can be distracting. You can only do one well. Program your GPS prior to leaving or while stopped, never while you’re driving. Maybe ask your passenger to change the music. It only takes a moment to negatively impact your life and the lives of others.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident, our firm is here to help. As one of Buffalo’s top-rated personal injury attorneys, Craig Small, is committed to providing an exceptional level of professionalism with the personalized attention you deserve.
Call the Small Law Firm for a free consultation at 716-847-2600 or Contact Us TODAY!
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