Holiday Hazards

3 Reasons Why Car Accidents Increase During the Holidays

The holiday season is upon us. As we all prepare for the holiday festivities with our friends and family there is something sinister boiling about on our roadways. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2018 Texas saw over one-hundred fatal motor vehicle crashes and fatalities during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years alone. In just a few days last year, the lives of hundreds of Texans were impacted by holiday hazards on our dangerous roadways.

As a personal injury attorney who’s served Greater Houston’s community for over two decades now, I see the consequences of these holiday hazards on our roadways all too often. It’s important that we identify these hazards so our community can work to limit the roadway risks this holiday season. Although there are many reasons why car accidents become more prevalent during the holidays, I’d like to share a few of the most common with you.

1.) There is more Traffic

The seasonal congestion of our roadways seems to spawn almost instantly after Halloween ends. On weekdays we are all stuck in standstill traffic while we commute to and from work. To make matters worse we spend our weekends traversing through crowded shopping center parking lots as we run last-minute errands. We’ve all experienced the holiday horrors of Christmas traffic. From enormous commercial vehicles trying their best to meet delivery deadlines to hurried parents doing last-minute shopping, the roads are sure to be hectic. Don’t become another statistic. Avoid driving in congested areas when you can. Avoid driving after dark when possible and always drive with caution.

2.) The Holiday Season Stress

Family, friends, turkey, Christmas carols, and neatly wrapped presents under your Christmas trees. What’s not to like about the holidays? Well aside from the stress associated with congested roadways and busy shopping centers, the holiday season brings about many burdens. Planning events, organizing vacations, or visiting your in-laws, can all be a bit emotionally taxing. These strains can cause us to neglect the maintenance of our vehicles, drive with impatience, and make poor decisions on the road. There are serious consequences when stress carries over and affects our judgment while driving. Before you get on the road this holiday season, take a deep breath and make sure you’re driving with calmness and prudence.

3.) There are more Intoxicated Drivers

The United States Department of Transportation reports that in 2016, 781 people lost their lives due to drunk-driving related car crashes in December alone. In fact, over the last five years, from Christmas through New Year’s there has been an average of three-hundred people who’ve died as a result of drunk-driving. Drunk-driving impacts families and communities year-round and these dangers are heightened during the holiday season. For this reason, I encourage you and your loved ones to plan your rides ahead of time and enjoy your drinks responsibly.

What to do if you've been injured in a car accident 

Remember, being informed is only half the battle. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident this holiday season you need a team of legal experts on your side. Don’t become just another statistic of holiday casualties this season. Put your faith in the pros. Our team of Board Certified Attorneys has decades of experience. Our team has helped injured people across the country recover millions of dollars from their personal injury claims. Don't hesitate to call our office at 877-724-7800 or find our contact form online.