Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or another holiday, the holiday season offers a chance to spend time with family, friends, and other loved ones and focus on what matters most. Unfortunately, it is also a time of year when many people find themselves in the hospital, calling the auto shop, and filing insurance claims.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, nine percent of car accidents in 2015 in the state occurred during December. This includes 1,307 crashes in the pre-Christmas period, and 869 accidents during Christmas weekend. There were 25 deaths on Pennsylvania roads during the Christmas holiday period alone.
Auto accidents that occur during the winter holidays can be very especially overwhelming because most people have a busy schedule this time of year. If you are already short on time, stressed out, and financially strapped, the last thing you want to deal with is an auto accident that leaves you with medical bills, repair bills, and injuries.
A combination of factors increase your risk of a car accident during the holiday season.
Understanding these factors can help you avoid becoming one of these statistics. That is why this list is so important. Some of the most common factors that lead to holiday crashes include:
Winter Weather
Whether it is freezing rain, sleet, or snow, local roadways become slick and extremely dangerous during winter weather. Black ice is also not uncommon. This ice is almost impossible to detect until you hit it, losing the ability to steer or stop your car. It is a common cause of auto accidents during the winter months.
Shopping Traffic
Pennsylvania roadways, parking lots, and shopping areas often become congested in the weeks leading up to the holidays. Many drivers are already under a lot of stress, and the busy streets cause additional frustration. Fender benders, road rage incidents, and parking lot accidents are common.
Other Holiday Traffic
It is not only the shopping mall parking lot that sees increased traffic. Families traveling to celebrate the holidays with relatives or heading out for a holiday party pack the highways. The sheer amount of people driving to and from different places during the holidays contributes to an increased risk of a car accident.
Drunk Drivers
Drink driving is especially dangerous when combined with any of the above factors. Driving while intoxicated is never worth the risk. Since many holiday parties revolve around drinking alcohol and having a good time, you may be more likely to encounter drunk drivers during the holidays. This is just one reason you may want to consider taking a cab, designating a driver, or using a rideshare service if you had even one drink.
Distracted Drivers
Distracted driving has become a major problem throughout the year. People text, make phone calls, surf the Web, and even play games while they are behind the wheel. Combined with the heavier traffic and winter weather, driving while distracted may be even more dangerous.
Between busy schedules, lots to remember, and a list of gifts to buy, drivers are already stressed out. Add a smartphone or other device, and for the irresponsible driver, there is little attention left for the road ahead.
Injured in a Winter Accident? Call Cordisco & Saile LLC
If suffered injuries in a winter auto accident in Pennsylvania or New Jersey and have an interest in learning more about your legal options for compensation, contact Cordisco & Saile LLC today. Located in lower Bucks County, PA, we offer a free consultation as well as a wealth of free information in our downloadable PA Car Accident Book. Call us today at 215-642-2335 to get started.
