The holiday season means additional dangers on the roadways. Car accident lawyers with Jacksonville’s Harrell and Harrell offer tips for safe travel. ‘Tis the season for merry-making with family, friends and coworkers. Unfortunately, it’s also the season in which driving on America’s roadways brings higher than usual risks. Family gatherings and holiday parties can mean heavy traffic, as well as stressed out or inebriated drivers. Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are among the top most dangerous holidays for drivers, according to data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. To help keep your family safe during the holidays, auto accident attorneys with Jacksonville and Orlando’s Harrell and Harrell offer these tips:
- If possible, avoid driving during peak holiday times when more drivers are on the road. Remember that those heading out to family gatherings or corporate holiday parties may be stressed out. And those headed home may be driving under the influence of alcohol. The busiest days on the roads are the days immediately before and after a holiday. Opt for driving on the actual holiday, or extend your trip and travel two days earlier instead.
- Carefully plan your route, opting for back roads over the main thoroughfares. Taking the long way will mean a little more time on the road, but those less-traveled paths will be safer.
- Wear your seatbelt and insist all passengers do the same.
- Put away your cell phone. Talking and texting while driving is dangerous enough on an ordinary day. Holiday stress, heavy traffic and the increased instance of drunken driving make it all the more risky.
- Don’t drink and drive. We can’t emphasize this enough. If you plan to enjoy a few holiday cocktails, designate a non-drinking driver. And even if you remain perfectly sober, remember that many other drivers won’t. Be extra cautions on the roadways, watching for erratic driving by others.
- If possible, don’t drive at all. Instead, host holiday gatherings at your own home and provide spare rooms or taxi services for inebriated guests.
If you or your dependents find yourselves victims of an accident caused by a drunken or careless driver during the holidays, contact an experienced auto accident lawyer. Jacksonville-based Harrell and Harrell has offices throughout Northeast Florida, in Orlando and in Brunswick, Ga. Contact us toll-free at 800-251-1111.