St. Louis Car Wreck Attorney: Auto Accidents Over the Holidays

Holidays are the perfect time for families to come together. With more and more people traveling to be with their families and friends, there are an increased number of people on the road. Higher traffic also means a higher risk of being involved in a car accident. If you are planning to travel around any holiday, you must be aware of the accident risk and what you can do to avert it. In this post, we will discuss some statistics associated with holiday season accidents, and what people can do to stay safe.

Statistics: Car accident over the holidays

Holidays can bring tragedy to some families, because more number of accidents occur on holidays than on other days. According to the available statistics, during the 2015 Christmas and New Year's Holidays, more than 95 million people were expected to share the road as they travel long distances to be with family and friends for holiday celebrations. This influx in traffic combined with other characteristics of the holiday season undoubtedly increased the risk of accidents.

Factors that increase the accident risk

There are several factors that contribute to the higher number of car accidents and deaths during the holiday season. More people are driving, and that too longer distances. Often times, the drivers are in a rush to get to the destination and are fatigued from driving long distances. They may also be driving in poor weather conditions. The higher fatality rate is also due to the increased number of alcohol impaired drivers on the road.

Tips to prevent accidents

Maintain Your Vehicle: To reduce the risk of accident, it is important to make sure that the vehicle is properly maintained. It is important to get the car and tires inspected before you start your long drive. Be prepared to face any surprises such as bad weather or car breakdown on the way.

Keep a Winter Safety Kit handy: Keep a winter safety kit in your car, and make sure it includes an ice scraper, a flashlight, jumper cables, blankets and warm clothing, a basic first aid kit, and extra food and water.

Drive carefully: Make a commitment to drive safely.

• Stay alert and aware
• Be patient
• Wear a seatbelt
• Avoid tailgating
• Do not consume alcohol before and while driving
• Use child-safety restraints, age appropriate car seats, etc.
• Resist distractions such as music and cell phone
• Obey the speed limit

Plan for a designated driver: If you plan on having a drink or two at the New Year party, make sure that you plan for a designated driver, or call a cab. Never get behind the wheel after you have had a drink.

If you have been involved in an accident, you should seek legal help from an experieneced St. Louis auto accident lawyer. Call The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. today at (314) 361-4242 to schedule a free case evaluation.