The holiday season is officially upon us and, according to reports, this time of year is traditionally among the deadliest. Data from the U.S. Department of Transportation tells us that over the last five years, an average of 300 people lose their lives in accidents during the holiday season. The reasons are numerous, and include more drunk drivers, holiday parties, rushed driving, and poor driving conditions.
In this issue, the Alaska personal injury lawyers with Barber & Associates will talk about why the holiday season is such a dangerous time and share tips for how you can protect yourself.
How You Can Stay Safe on the Road This Holiday Season
Drunk Driving
The holidays are the perfect time for family, friends, and office workers to get together and celebrate. Many of these get-togethers involve alcohol. If you’re hosting a party, be sure that you can:
- Provide designated drivers
- Have telephone numbers of cab companies, or Uber and Lyft drivers on-hand
- Offer non-alcoholic drinks at your party
- Provide plenty of food to keep those who are drinking alcohol from over-indulging on booze alone
Rushed Driving
Whether you’re buying presents, organizing food, or getting the family packed or a getaway, an agitated driver is definitely more likely to be vulnerable to accidents.
To reduce the likelihood of becoming an agitated driver, try to:
- Calm yourself before driving
- Leave earlier than you had planned
- Pay attention to your speedometer, and drive about 5 mph below the speed limit (if you’re on an interstate, use your cruise control)
Driving in Poor Weather Conditions
Here in Alaska, drivers are accustomed to adverse weather conditions while driving, especially in the winter months. If the weather is poor when you’re out and about, be sure to:
- Reduce your speed to about 10 miles per hour below the speed limit
- Do not tailgate
- Turn on your fog lights, which will cut through fog better than your regular headlamps
- Check your tire treads to make sure there’s enough traction
- Have an emergency kit in your car with road flares, a blanket, flashlight, tow rope, air compressor, and ice scraper.
If You’re Injured By Someone Else’s Negligence, Call The Alaska Personal Injury Lawyers With Barber & Associates.
We hope you have a wonderful and safe holiday season. If, however, you’re inured by someone else, the smart move is to leverage the skill and expertise of the Alaska personal injury lawyers at Barber & Associates.
The first meeting is always free, so call us at 907-276-5858 or get in touch via email.