The holiday months are supposed to be a time for joy and celebration. Unfortunately, certain individuals often put road safety on the back burner and put countless others at severe risk of harm. The holiday season is one of the most dangerous times of the year for several reasons, and drivers must recognize the various negligent acts that can increase the risk of a severe collision.
Five of the main dangers on the road during the holidays are:
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Rideshares
- Fatigued driving
- Weather
If you suffer an injury because of someone else’s negligence around the holidays, know that you can file the claims necessary to pursue compensation.
Call our firm today at (617) 404-3417, and learn your rights.
Drunk Driving
When people celebrate, they often drink as well. Unfortunately, they sometimes decide to drive after they have had some drinks, and it can lead to some of the most dangerous actions on the road. Drunk driving — even buzzed driving — can cause inabilities and impair a driver’s cognitive functions, leading to a severe crash.
Distracted Driving
Many drivers have passengers with them around the holidays or use their cell phones to discuss plans with their loved ones. Unfortunately, these can be significant distractions that result in long-term damages. Distractions can include:
- Texting
- Reaching for food or the radio
- Reaching in the back seat
- Turning to speak with others in the vehicle
Rideshares
Rideshare drivers should help prevent negligence on the road. Unfortunately, rideshare drivers are some of the most negligent because they have several distractions of their own. They receive notifications for new passengers, scan sidewalks, and utilize GPS to get where they’re going.
Rideshare drivers are also dangerous because they may be unfamiliar with areas, stop when they shouldn’t, or make illegal turns.
Fatigued Driving
Celebrations and get-togethers often lead to late nights out. The later a person is out and the less sleep they have, the more dangers they present on the road. If someone is awake for 18 hours straight, it can have a similar effect as drunk driving. With so many drivers on the road late at night, it’s vital to recognize the signs of fatigued driving, which can include:
- Swerving all over the road
- Slowing down randomly
- Speeding up
- Braking erratically
- Driving without lights on at night
Weather
Inclement weather can be dangerous when traveling, and you never know what can happen when rain or snow is on the ground. It’s vital to stay as safe as possible and drive safely for the conditions. Even a minor mishap can result in you losing control of your vehicle. In other situations, another driver may lose control and cause a severe crash.
Around the holidays, the risk of a severe crash increases. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and other holidays present numerous dangers, leaving individuals with lifelong harm. Whenever this happens, it’s crucial to hire tenacious legal representatives who look out for your needs.
Why Hire a Lawyer?
Working with an attorney helps you safeguard your rights. You want to ensure someone is on your side who can provide you with the experience and knowledge to guide you through the process. At Crowe & Harris, LLP, we work to help you understand your options and explain your ability to pursue maximum compensation for your damages.
Our Boston car accident attorneys work on your behalf to help you hold negligence accountable. We work to provide you with the care you deserve during such a challenging situation. Let us work on your behalf to pursue justice when it matters most. Let us be your trusted advocates.