Why is holiday driving so dangerous?

Holidays are times of joy, celebration, and quality time with loved ones. You might wonder, “Why is holiday driving so dangerous?” Distracted driving, increased traffic, alcohol consumption, and varying road conditions all impact safe driving.

If you’ve been seriously injured in holiday travel, contact the experienced Chicago car accident lawyers at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers to find out if you’re entitled to compensation.

Holiday Driving Dangers

These factors contribute to making driving more dangerous during holidays throughout the year and in the holiday season.

Distracted Driving

With increasing cell phone use, according to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) distracted driving is a contributing factor to an increase in fatalities.

In 2022, 621 vulnerable road users were killed in distraction-affected traffic crashes.

Increased Holiday Traffic

Holiday driving is more dangerous mainly due to increased traffic. Families travel to be together, and many take time for a holiday road trip. This rise in road trips and the number of vehicles on the road leads to congestion, delays, more impatient and aggressive drivers, and a higher chance of accidents.

Alcohol Consumption and Drunk Driving

Celebrations often involve alcohol consumption, a major contributing factor to motor vehicle crashes, according to the National Safety Council (NSC) Injury Facts.

Inclement Weather Conditions

The winter holiday season often brings winter driving conditions such as snow, ice, and rain. These winter weather conditions can make roads slippery and difficult to navigate, increasing the risk of accidents. Additionally, many people may not be used to driving in these conditions, leading to a higher chance of mistakes on the road.

What Are the Deadliest Holidays?

According to the National Safety Council, “car travel has the highest fatality rate of any major form of motorized transportation” when looking at the data for fatalities per passenger mile.

With 90% confidence, the NSC publishes yearly projected death rates across the United States. The six major US holidays listed by projected deaths for 2023 / 2024 are:

• #1 Independence Day – (599 deaths)
• #2 Thanksgiving – (507 deaths)
• #3 Labor Day – (455 deaths)
• #4 Memorial Day (418 deaths)
• #5 New Year’s Day (375 deaths)
• #6 Christmas (345 deaths)

How Can You Stay Safe During Holiday Driving?

While holiday driving can pose increased risks, there are steps you can take to increase your own safety on the road during this time. Some safe driving tips include:

• Avoid distracted driving by keeping your phone out of reach
• Plan your route, avoiding peak travel times
• Stay well rested and take regular breaks to stay alert and avoid drowsy driving
• Practice defensive driving, especially when approaching intersections or changing lanes
• Never drive while under the influence of alcohol, and make arrangements for a designated driver or alternative transportation
• Adjust your driving to fit weather conditions, avoiding weather-related driving hazards by reducing speed and increasing following distance
• Plan ahead, and regularly check your vehicle for any maintenance issues that could affect safety on the road

Contact the Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers

When crashes happen and you or your loved ones are injured in a holiday driving accident, our experienced lawyers at Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers are here to help. We understand the complexities of motor vehicle accidents and can provide you with the legal representation you need to seek justice and fair compensation.

Stay safe during the holidays and keep these safety tips in mind to ensure you return home safely.