Why Do Accidents Increase During The Holiday Season?
Motor vehicle accidents tend to increase during the holiday season. Although the holiday season is a time for festivities, your celebrations can end abruptly because of a motor vehicle crash. Sadly, this season has a higher number of car accidents than other days each year.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries this holiday season because of another’s negligent actions, you have the legal right to pursue compensation from the at-fault party for the resulting losses. To get started on your case, speak to a Charleston, SC, car accident attorney so you can understand the legal options available to you.
Why Motor Vehicle Accidents Increase During The Holiday Season in Charleston, SC
A lot of people travel during the holiday season. One of the most frequently used means of transportation is cars, yet they have the highest mortality rate among all the modes of travel. Since the holiday season usually involves festivities with alcohol, motor accidents caused by driving under the influence increase as well. Car accident rates rise during the holidays due to various reasons, which commonly include the following:
- Distracted Driving – Drivers are prone to being more distracted with their phones while on the road. These distractions include adjusting the GPS, messaging, calling to discuss holiday events, browsing the internet for possible deals on gifts, or just because.
- Driving under the influence – Some drivers may drink alcohol as part of holiday festivities but may unfortunately still choose to travel on the road while intoxicated. While disappointing, it’s no surprise that crashes attributed to drunk driving usually increase during the holidays. The NHTSA reports that deaths caused by DUI are the highest in 15 years.
- Heavy Traffic – There are more cars on the road during the holidays, comprising individuals who are traveling on vacation and individuals who do their holiday shopping and errands for gatherings.
- Reckless Driving – More traffic on the road means that motorists may tend to be more stressed or agitated due to the prolonged time spent in traffic. This can result in drivers being aggressive on the road, doing things like driving beyond the speed limit, tailgating, unsafe lane switches, undertaking, or weaving through traffic.
- Fatigued Driving – Drowsy driving is also a common problem, particularly for drivers who go on lengthy trips, or even because shorter days indicate that drivers will travel at night in the dark.
- Visiting Drivers – Drivers traveling from another town, state, or country might be unfamiliar with the roads and directions, which can result in abrupt, hazardous maneuvers to go to a curve or an exit, being distracted with a GPS, being lost, or finding themselves in the wrong way on one-way roads.
- Bad Weather or Road Conditions – Rain, snow, and low temperatures can happen during the holiday season, resulting in more slippery roads and a heightened risk of motor vehicle crashes.
- Vehicle Mechanical Issues – Cold weather can be hard on cars. Insufficient maintenance can lead to mechanical problems that may happen on the road, such as tire blowouts, engine failures, and brake malfunctions.
Our Charleston, SC, Car Accident Lawyer Will Uphold Your Rights After a Holiday Accident
Suffering injuries in a motor vehicle collision can leave you struggling with sneaky insurance companies who don’t want to pay you what you’re owed. But never settle for less. Schedule your free consultation with our Charleston, SC, car accident lawyer at Parham Smith & Archenhold LLC by calling 864-242-9008 or contacting us online.