Holidays mean more traffic, more alcohol served, and unfortunately, a greater risk of traffic collisions in in some cases. Traffic crashes at this time of year can happen due to distraction, fatigue, mechanical defects, and other issues.
There are ways to prevent injury this holiday:
- Make sure your holiday decorations aren’t affecting visibility: When decorating your property, make sure any large or bright decorations are not blocking your ability to see oncoming traffic as you pull out of your driveway.
- Get your car tuned up: Your car might get a lot of use at this time of year, especially if you’re visiting friends and family. Make sure it is well-maintained and ready for longer trips by taking it to a trusted mechanic.
- Reduce your to-do list: Fight distraction and fatigue by getting proper rest and leveraging some of your to-do list. Focus on the holiday tasks that bring you the most joy and eliminate the rest.
- Be prepared for traffic: Check traffic reports regularly so you can choose the best routes to avoid hazards.
- Slow down: Rushing can encourage speeding, which is a factor in many deadly Homestead car crashes. Give yourself more time for every task and for every drive than you think you need.
- Monotask: Avoid distraction by doing one thing at a time. Research has shown that multitasking does not work and trying to do more than one thing when you drive can lead to distracted driving and car accidents.
- Put sleep and health first: Try to get to bed and wake up at the same time every day to stay alert. Take care of your health to avoid winter flus and illnesses and to stay focused and alert while driving.
- Car pool and use alternative forms of transportation: If you’re under the weather, fatigued, distracted by everything happening during the holidays, or otherwise not fully able to focus on driving, leave driving to someone else.
- Use extra caution as a host or guest: If you’re hosting a holiday event, stop serving alcohol early and have plenty of non-alcohol options. Keep track of anyone who has been drinking and be prepared to help them get home safely or to offer them a place to stay for the night. If you’re a guest, always plan on taking a rideshare or other way home if you’ve been drinking and have two back-up plans to get home safely without drinking and driving.
The entire team at Flaxman Law Group wish you a healthy and happy holiday. If you are injured this holiday, the phone lines at our law firm at 1-866-352-9626 (1-866-FLAXMAN) will continue to be staffed so you can always reach a live person to schedule a free accident consultation with a Homestead car accident injury attorney.