How to Avoid Accidents During the Busiest Days of the Year

file photo by Boyd Loving

The year is filled with days when traffic can get really messy and frustrating. These could be the usual national and international holidays, special days or days when there’s a major occasion in certain parts of the country. It’s common in the Christmas season, New Year’s, Thanksgiving, Independence Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day Weekend, and others such as July 4th and when there’s a major NFL league game. Unfortunately, this is also when some drivers and other road users are intoxicated and behind the wheel. Out of the frustration from getting stuff in traffic, some road users just lose their cool and end up driving recklessly. Simply put, there’s a lot that goes on on the roads during busy days, and this tends to increase the likelihood of accidents.

But regardless of this, you still have to navigate from point A to point B. While accidents don’t come knocking at your door or give you a heads up what they’re about to happen, there are various things you can do to minimize the chances of getting involved in one. And when it happens after you do your best to stay safe on the road, the law will always be on your side to get you through the painstaking experience that often follows after being involved in an accident. If this is the case with you, you may want to learn more about how a car accident attorney can help you get compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and property damage, as well as your pain and suffering. A good accident attorney will see to it that your rights are protected and you’re compensated without having to pay anything upfront.  

But you’d rather not get involved in an accident, right? Well, to keep you safe, here are some tips on how to avoid accidents during the busiest days of the year.

Avoid drinking and driving

Drunk driving is a major cause of road accidents all around the globe. Unsurprisingly, research has shown that a majority of drunk-driving fatalities and injuries tend to occur during the busy days of the year, especially holidays such as Thanksgiving and New Year’s. To stay safe on the road, it’s best to avoid drinking if you can or else, take a cab home after having your few shots of tequila or bottles of beer. If you’re partying as a group, it is wiser to have a designated driver amongst you, one that will stay focused and not consume alcohol or other stimulant substances for the entire duration. Alcohol and other drugs substances can impair your judgment and affect your focus, something you absolutely don’t want while on the road. Additionally, DUI is a legal offense, so it will only put you at the bad side of the law.

Get enough rest before a long road trip

Road trips are common during busy days such as holidays. It’s when many people find the chance to visit relatives from another state, take a trip to the wild, or spend the holiday out in another city. But nothing can be more frustrating than being on the road for hours and you’ve not yet recovered from the fatigue and stress from the last few days or weeks at work. It even gets worse if you’ve not been getting enough sleep. There’s a big chance you’ll be passing various streets and highways where traffic is extremely busy and everyone seems to be on the road. Fatigue and sleep deprivation will only put you out of your game, eating into your ability to maintain focus and concentration on the road. You don’t want to start drowsy driving, only to wake up in a hospital or worse! Before a major road trip during busy days, be sure to have at least 8-10 hours of sleep and rest to keep your mind and body energetic for the entire drive.

Keep calm while on the road

As earlier mentioned, some accidents are caused by impatient drivers who resort to risky and dangerous driving practices when frustrated in traffic. Whether the other driver is driving aggressively, hooting madly into your years or shouting slogans at you, remember to keep calm while on the road your safety highly depends on it!

Avoid using your phone while on the road

Yes, you’ll want to keep in contact with your friends and loved ones or business associates during busy days while on the road. However, your life and safety are more important than whatever you’re going to chat about on social media or discuss in a phone call. If you can’t switch your device off dead, you may want to equip your car with a hands-free car kit, so your focus remains on the road even when speaking on the phone. Chatting is a NO-NO when driving, holiday season or not.

Limit driving at night

During the busy days, activities for most people extend till late in the night. It’s understandable, considering that many people travel, go shopping, spend an evening out, and so forth. However, it’s also important to note that according to night-driving statistics, the risk of getting in an accident is higher at night. During these days, it’s better to limit your night driving to only when and if you have to, especially for new drivers.

Be extremely careful in poor weather

Poor weather is another common cause of road accidents, and this is nothing new during the holidays. It’s best to take precautionary measures such as wearing sunglasses to prevent glares, make sure your car is well aerated and avoid speeding when it’s raining. Also, stay informed with weather and traffic updates during busy days, so you know when to go out, when to avoid driving and routes to avoid during busy days.

Especially on an important day filled with merry and celebratory mood, no one wants to be on the receiving end of a road accident. Accidents are unplanned for and they come unannounced, but there are several ways of preventing them. The above are just a few important pointers and how you can avoid accidents during some of the busiest ways throughout the year.