The holidays are a time for family, friends, and celebrations. However, they are also a time when car accidents happen more frequently.
Drunk driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents, especially during the holidays. If you are going to be drinking, make sure to have a designated driver. If you see someone driving erratically, do not hesitate to call the police. Be extra careful on the roads during the holidays, and always buckle up.
Knowing the most common types of car accidents and how to avoid them can help ensure that you and your loved ones have a safe and happy holiday season.
1- Drunk Driver Accidents
As the holidays approach, we all want to enjoy time with family and friends. Unfortunately, the holidays are also a time when drunk drivers are out in force. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving accidents peak between Christmas and New Year’s.
You can do a few things to avoid being involved in a drunk driving accident. First, if you’re going to be drinking, make sure you have a designated driver. Second, be extra cautious when driving at night. Drunk drivers are more likely to be on the road late at night and early in the morning. Third, be aware of your surroundings. If you see a driver who is swerving or driving erratically, stay away from them.
If you are unfortunately involved in a drunk driving accident, there are a few things you should do. First, call the police. Second, get medical attention if you or anyone else is injured. Third, call a personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and get the compensation you deserve.
At The Bodden & Bennet Law Group, our personal injury lawyers have experience handling drunk driving accident cases. We know the ins and outs of the legal system, and we will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. If you or someone you know has been involved in a drunk driving accident, call us today for a free consultation.
2- Distracted Driver Accidents
One of the most common accidents during the holidays is caused by distracted driving. Distracted driving is anything that takes your attention away from the road, including talking on the phone, texting, eating, drinking, adjusting the radio, and more.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that distracted driving is a factor in nearly 5,000 fatal crashes yearly. And during the holidays, there is an increase in the number of distracted drivers on the road.
There are a few ways to avoid being involved in a distracted driving accident. First, if you’re going to be on the road for a long period of time, make sure to take breaks often. This will help you stay focused and alert. Second, put away your phone and other distractions before you start driving. Pull over to a safe location first if you need to use your phone.
Finally, be extra cautious of other drivers. If you see someone driving erratically, give them a wide berth. And, if you’re driving in an unfamiliar area, be extra alert for potential hazards.
Following these tips can help make the roads safer for everyone this holiday season.
3- Speeding Accidents
Speeding is one of the most common causes of car accidents, especially during the holidays. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding contributed to 16% of all fatal crashes in the United States in 2017.
In Florida, speeding is especially dangerous because of the state’s large number of tourists. With so many people on the roads, it’s important to obey the speed limit and drive safely.
There are a few things you can do to avoid speeding accidents:
- Obey the speed limit
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you
- Don’t tailgate
- Don’t weave in and out of traffic
If you or someone you know has been involved in a speeding accident, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and get the compensation you deserve.
4- Backing Out Collisions
This type of accident occurs when a driver fails to check their blind spots before reversing, resulting in a collision with another vehicle, object, or pedestrian.
Backing collisions can be especially dangerous due to the limited visibility of the driver. Because of this, it is essential that drivers take extra precautions when backing up to avoid these types of accidents.
The first step to avoiding a backing collision is to check your blind spots before reversing. Make sure to look behind you and to both sides of the vehicle to ensure that no one or nothing is in your way. It is also important to take your time when reversing, as rushing can lead to mistakes.
Another way to avoid backing collisions is to use the rear-view and side-view mirrors to their fullest potential. Make sure to adjust the mirrors properly so that you can see as much of the area around you as possible. Additionally, use the rearview camera if your vehicle has one.
Finally, it is important to be aware of your surroundings when backing up. Pay attention to pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles in the area, and make sure to give them enough space when reversing.
5- Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of car accidents in the state of Florida. They often occur during the holidays when people drive to and from parties and events.
There are a few things you can do to avoid rear-end collisions:
Drive Defensively
This means being aware of your surroundings and watching for other drivers who may not be paying attention.
Use Your Turn Signals
This will let other drivers know what you plan to do and help avoid confusion.
Keep Your Distance
Make sure you leave enough space between you and the car in front of you so that you have time to stop if they suddenly brake.
Drive the Speed Limit
This will help you have more time to react to any situation that may arise.
Be Especially Careful in Bad Weather
If it is raining or snowing, make sure to slow down and allow for more space between you and other cars.
If you are involved in a rear-end collision, you should first seek medical attention. Even if you don’t think you are injured, it is always best to get checked out by a doctor. Once you have seen a doctor, you should then contact a car accident lawyer. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and get the compensation you deserve.
6- Pedestrian Accidents
As the holidays approach, we all get busy with shopping, parties, and other preparations. This can lead to more pedestrian traffic and, unfortunately, more pedestrian accidents.
There are several things drivers can do to avoid hitting pedestrians, especially during the holiday season:
- Be extra alert and watch for pedestrians, especially in areas where they are more likely to walk, such as near shopping centers, schools, and residential neighborhoods.
- Slow down and be prepared to stop when approaching crosswalks, even if there is no one in them.
- Obey all traffic signals and yield to pedestrians with the right of way.
- Never pass a vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk. The driver may be yielding to a pedestrian.
- Be especially careful when backing up, as pedestrians may walk behind your vehicle without you seeing them.
If you, unfortunately, find yourself involved in a pedestrian accident, you first should stop and render aid to the pedestrian if they are injured. If the pedestrian is not injured, exchange information with them and, if possible, get the witnesses’ contact information. You should then contact a qualified personal injury attorney to discuss your case and determine your legal options.
7- Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents are unfortunately all too common, especially during the holiday season. With more people out and about, there is an increased risk of collision.
Here are some tips on how to avoid bicycle accidents during the holidays:
- Be extra cautious when riding in areas with lots of pedestrian traffic. Obey all traffic laws and use hand signals when turning.
- Wear bright clothing so that you are more visible to drivers.
- Use lights and reflectors at night.
- Avoid riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Bodden & Bennett is Here to Help You After a Car Accident
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. But they can also be a time for increased traffic and car accidents. In Florida, car accidents are unfortunately all too common during the holidays.
There are a few things that you can do to help avoid being in a car accident during the holidays. First, make sure your vehicle is in good working order. This means having a valid driver’s license, registration, and insurance. Second, be aware of your surroundings and drive defensively. Pay attention to the road and be on the lookout for other drivers who may not be as cautious as you are.
Finally, if you find yourself in an accident, exchange information with the other driver and contact a qualified car accident attorney as soon as possible.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, the experienced personal injury lawyers at Bodden & Bennett can help. We have helped thousands of accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. Contact us online or call (561) 806-5229 today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you and your family during this difficult time.
