The holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful times of the year, but according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, two of the most deadly days are December 23rd and 24th. While the season's greetings may bring out more traffic, people face more danger on the road during holidays than just congestion. It’s not just the winter holidays that see an uptick in dangerous and sometimes fatal accidents; it’s all holidays throughout the year. Holiday festivities and stress bring out a potentially devastating and deadly trend in car accidents.
The Tragic Reminder: Recent Wrong-Way Crash in Sugar Land
Dealing with tragedies is never easy and even more challenging during the holidays. Facing loss during the holidays is something that families have to struggle through together. For the rest of us, it serves as a tragic reminder to make choices that prioritize your safety and the safety of others on the road.
Sugar Land, Texas, during Labor Day weekend, serves as that reminder for us this year. On September 2nd, all westbound lanes on US90 were closed due to a crash in the early morning hours. One of the vehicles involved was driving the wrong way in the westbound lanes, and when the emergency responders received the calls of a head-on collision with multiple ejections they rushed to the scene. Arriving on the scene, emergency responders found two people who were pronounced deceased and a third person who was transported for intensive care.
The holidays we celebrate throughout the year are supposed to be filled with joy, fun, and care. We must ensure that we are responsible for the safety of ourselves, our families, and everyone around us. And while drunk driving is undeniably one of the leading causes of accidents during the holidays, it’s not the only reason that we have all of these tragic accidents.
Why Are There More Accidents During Holidays?
While the holidays do bring cheer, they also bring out many travelers to visit family and friends, do some holiday shopping and to see the sights on vacation. This bustling time of the year brings a stressful edge to the holiday’s twinkling lights.
Some common causes of accidents during holidays are:
- Increased Traffic: Holiday traffic is the worst. From stressful traffic jams to lost drivers clinging to their GPS, the sheer number of cars on the road increases the chances of a car accident.
- Drunk Driving: While we enjoy our festivities, we don’t want to feel their effects behind the wheel. Holiday parties bring drivers out who think they are capable of driving while buzzed. Arrive alive and drive sober.
- Unsafe Driving Habits: Any holiday is a fun time for those who get to spend time with family or friends, and enjoying events and parties bring the best memories. But holidays can be stressful, and stress takes its toll on everyone. Drivers are more tired, distracted, and stressed during holidays, impacting their driving ability. Accidents happen fast, and if you are not driving at your best, you won’t be able to react in time to avoid a collision.
- Neglecting Car Maintenance: The holidays can be financially overwhelming, and the financial burden that extra holiday spending has on people may make them feel inclined to neglect their regular car maintenance. From finances to finding the time to ensure it’s done, drivers should never neglect their safety on the road.
- Bad Weather Conditions: While we want to see a white Christmas snow, ice and inexperienced drivers can be a combination that is tempting disaster. Keep an eye on any inclement weather and ensure you are prepared to travel where you want for the holidays.
What to Do If You're Involved in an Accident
Driving with reason during the holiday season means you are doing everything you can to prevent an accident from keeping you in the hospital and not at home during these special times. Accidents happen, and you must be ready if you are driving during a holiday.
If you’ve been in a car accident, these are some steps to follow:
- Evaluate yourself and others who may be injured
- Call emergency services
- Seek medical attention
- Exchange information
- Document the scene
- Notify your insurance company
- Follow up with medical professionals about your injuries
- Consult a car accident lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a car accident by someone else’s negligence during the holidays, it can dull the season's magic. By working with an experienced car accident attorney, you can receive compensation and justice for the pain and suffering you or your family has been put through.
Tips for Staying Safe on the Road During Holidays
With rising inflation, driving long distances during the holidays is causing more congestion on the road. While driving may be convenient and less costly than planes, it can be stressful with lousy weather and the traffic or other holiday drivers to contend with.
Here are some tips to keep your family and others safe on the road during holiday travel:
- Don’t drink and drive
- Make sure that your car is ready
- Set your route and be aware of any changing road or weather conditions
- Stay focused and avoid fatigue
- Don’t speed
- Stay calm
Stay cautious on the road and let the holidays remain merry and bright.
Karam Law Office: Here for You After a Crash
If you or a loved one has been injured this holiday season by a negligent driver, you know you need help fast. Your family deserves an aggressive and compassionate legal team that will work to get you the compensation and justice you deserve.
At Karam Law Office, we are here for you after a crash and no matter the circumstances of your accident, we will work to bring your family holiday cheer after a tragedy. Visit our website or give us a call at (281) 302-5272 to schedule your free consultation.
