Why Do Auto Accidents Increase During the Holidays?

The holiday season is one of the most anticipated times of the year for many people, but because so many people travel during this time, it can also be one of the riskiest times of the year for drivers. Not surprisingly, because there are more cars on the road, the odds of getting into an accident increase, especially during peak travel days and times. Alcohol consumption also contributes to holiday auto accidents, as does fatigued driving resulting from driving long distances to visit with family and friends. While no one can guarantee that an accident won’t occur, being aware of these risks can help you proactively take charge of your own driving behavior.

Drunk Driving Accidents

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals that the number of deaths caused by drunk driving increases dramatically during certain times of the year, including during the summer and around the holiday season. In fact, during December, an average of 45 fatalities involving an alcohol-impaired driver occur each day. The NHTSA has found that young drivers between the ages of 21 and 24 have the highest level of involvement in alcohol-impaired driving. If your holiday party plans include alcohol, make sure that you designate a driver before you begin drinking.

Fatigued Driving

A fatigued driver can cause a holiday car accident just as easily as a drunk driver. With so much to plan and do around the holidays, including shopping, decorating, running errands, and attending holiday parties, people often end up foregoing sleep. Driving while fatigued greatly increases the risk of unsafe driving and falling asleep at the wheel, both of which can have disastrous consequences. If you plan on driving a long distance this holiday season, make sure to get a full night’s sleep before you leave and take intermittent rest breaks during your trip.

Aggressive Driving

Southern Californians are no strangers to traffic and know how frustrating it can be to get stuck in slow conditions. When drivers have a long trip ahead of them, it can be easy to become impatient to reach their destination. Unfortunately, there are some people who act on this by speeding, making unsafe lane changes, following too closely, and other aggressive driving behaviors that increase the chance of an accident. We want to remind you that it is never worth the few minutes of time you may save to put yourself, your passengers, and other motorists in danger. Be patient and drive safely!

From our family to yours, we wish you a happy and safe holiday season!

Levinson Law Group handles auto accident cases in Carlsbad, California. If you have been injured in an accident and you have questions about your rights, contact our firm to consult with a Carlsbad auto accident lawyer free of charge.