Dangerous winter road conditions in NYC

Safe Driving in the Holiday Season

Holiday car accidents can really take the joy out of the Christmas season. But with winter weather and people drinking and driving, it’s something you need to be concerned about. This is the deadliest season to be driving, so if you must be out on the roads this time of year, make sure you drive safely.

The holidays can be hectic, but instead of speeding on the roadways, slow down and take a little extra time to get to your destination. Here are some other tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this holiday season, as well as sometimes to avoid driving.

 Dangerous Times to Drive

The winter time in general is dangerous for motorists because of ice, rain and snow on the roads. Going too fast in these conditions can cause you to skid, slide and cause accidents. More than 20 percent of car accidents are caused by the weather and more than 1,300 people are killed every year from accidents caused by snow, slush and ice.

The holidays are also a dangerous time to drive due to partying. DUIs are common this time of year with people drinking and driving. In fact, DUI arrests are at their highest levels between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, making them the most dangerous holidays on the road. Between Christmas and New Year’s Day, 40 percent of car accidents are caused by drunk driving. The highest period of traffic accidents occurs during the New Year period. New Year’s Day is also the deadliest day to be a pedestrian, with most pedestrian accidents happening on this day.

Safe Holiday Driving Tips

 Stay safe and avoid holiday car accidents by following these tips:

  • Slow down. If you need to brake suddenly on an icy road, you’ll end up skidding. Take it slow.
  • Map out a route. Know where you’re going ahead of time, so you don’t have to make sudden stops or turns on icy roads, which can cause accidents.
  • Focus on visibility. Make sure others can see you by keeping your headlights on always. Make sure that you can see as well. If you’re having trouble seeing in front of you, pull over and wait until conditions have cleared.
  • Don’t tailgate. Keep extra space between you and the car in front of you. You’ll need extra room to stop in an emergency.
  • Minimize distractions. Focus on the road and what’s ahead of you. Keep distractions to a minimum.
  • Don’t use cruise control. This can minimize traction, and on wintry roads, you need all the traction you can get.
  • Keep an emergency kit on hand. You may also wish to have blankets and water with you in case you are stranded. A bag of sand or cat litter can also come in handy if you’re stuck on an icy road.

Get Legal Help from a Brooklyn Auto Accident Lawyer

If you are injured in a car accident during the most dangerous holidays on the road or any time of the year, make sure you protect your legal rights. Determine your rights to compensation by seeking legal help right away. Call the Law Office of Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum to schedule a consultation with an experienced Brooklyn car accident lawyer. Contact our Brooklyn office at (718) 237-5586.