The holiday season sees many family get-togethers and gift exchanges. People from different cultures and religions have unique traditions that they celebrate during the winter holiday season. In addition to the pleasant trends associated with the holidays, there are also safety concerns to address.
Specifically, people need to be aware that their risk of a collision may be higher during the holidays. What was once a time of celebration can become an annual reminder of trauma or tragedy.
What factors contribute to increased crash risk during the holiday season?
1. More drunk drivers
Many cultural traditions around the holidays involve alcohol. There are also people who self-medicate to deal with the stress of seeing family. When those people get behind the wheel, they can cause crashes that can have tragic results. Drunk driving crash rates increase significantly around the holidays.
2. Intense distractions
Those traveling over the holidays often have many sources of distraction present in their vehicles. They may have fussy children in the backseat and gifts that tumble over suddenly when they take a sharp turn. Navigation software and text messages from well-wishers can also create opportunities for distraction.
3. Fatigue at the wheel
Parents with small children and those hosting holiday get-togethers often put in long hours preparing for the holidays. They may then need to drive while they feel exhausted. Unfortunately, fatigue can diminish driving capabilities and increase the possibility of a preventable crash.
Those affected by a holiday collision may have the right to seek compensation from the party at fault. Reviewing insurance coverage and estimating total losses with a skilled legal team can help those affected by holiday car crashes seek justice.
