The holidays are a busy and stressful time of year for many people. One of the last things people should have to deal with under these circumstances is a serious car crash.
Unfortunately, dangerous drivers that cause accidents do not take a break over the holidays. In fact, there may be more unsafe motorists on the road than usual in the coming weeks. This is because certain people may be more likely to be behind the wheel.
Drunk drivers
Holidays and drinking often go hand-in-hand. People drink at work parties and family dinners. Some drink at bars with friends or at home alone.
To combat this influx of drunk drivers, state and local police typically increase enforcement of drunk driving laws through the new year. Unfortunately, while these efforts often help get many drunk drivers off the road, they cannot stop everyone.
Tourists
Travel is a big part of the holiday season. In fact, according to statistics, 55 million Americans plan to travel during Thanksgiving alone; 2.9 million of these drivers are in Florida.
When people are driving in unfamiliar places, or they have been on the road for a long time, they can pose a threat to other motorists. They may get lost and frustrated; they could be sleepy; they may be looking at phones and GPS devices instead of the road.
With so many potentially drowsy, confused and fatigued drivers on the road, it could increase your risk of getting into an accident with one.
Inexperienced, unsafe drivers
During the holidays, kids are out of school and may be driving more. Similarly, elderly drivers may be driving more places, like church, the mall and relatives’ homes.
Young and elderly drivers can struggle with certain conditions and circumstances that make them unsafe while driving. Young people are typically inexperienced; they may be more reckless; they can be easily distracted by friends in the car. Senior drivers may get confused easily; some may have impaired vision and slowed reflexes; they could get overwhelmed and nervous.
To avoid an accident this holiday, don’t be a dangerous driver. You should also wear your seat belt and steer clear of any motorists exhibiting unsafe behaviors. These tips can help you avoid the pain, expense and inconvenience of a serious accident in the coming weeks.
