Most people are now gearing up to enjoy the holiday season. Friends and family will get together and enjoy celebrating different occasions.
Unfortunately, for some people the holiday season will be spoiled by being involved in a car accident. Recognizing some of the more common hazards during this season could help to keep you safe. Outlined below are a few things to keep in mind if you are driving during the holidays.
People will be in a hurry
The last-minute rush for presents in December is notorious for being a very busy period. Minds can wander, and this includes the minds of drivers. Distractions, impatience and careless parking maneuvers are just some of the more common risks you need to look out for as Christmas Day approaches.
Not everyone knows where they are going
You know the roads in your local area like the back of your hand. This is helpful, but it’s important not to assume that others are as familiar with them as you. In fact, it’s safer to treat every driver like they do not know where they are going. During the holiday season, this could very well be the case. Visitors come to this area for a multitude of reasons, and they don’t always know where they are going. That means a wrong turn, missed traffic signal or other errors are very likely.
An increased chance of impaired driving
The holidays are a time for people to let their hair down with a few alcoholic drinks. There is nothing wrong with this, but it really shouldn’t be mixed with driving. You wouldn’t dream of drinking and jumping in the car afterward, but not everyone thinks this way. During the holiday season, there’s an increased likelihood of coming across a driver who is impaired and therefore poses a danger to you.
If you’ve suffered an injury during the holidays at the hands of an at-fault driver, make sure you look into your legal options for claiming compensation. This way, at least some of the financial burden could be lifted as you enter the new year.