The holidays are a magical, fun-filled time for many. But, it can be hard to overlook one major stressor of the season: Holiday travel! Increased road congestion, unpredictable weather conditions, and universally elevated stress levels set the stage for accidents.
By thinking ahead and taking a proactive approach, you can work to avoid common accidents that occur with holiday travel in Florida. Read on to learn more!
Common Causes of Holiday Traffic Accidents
You’re not just imagining it: Florida car accidents are more common during the holiday season. Here’s why:
- People are more likely to imbibe during the holiday season, leading to more cases of impaired driving.
- Holiday stress, year-end fatigue, and rushing to family gatherings can contribute to distracted driving.
- There are more out-of-towners on the road during the holidays. They’re less familiar with their surroundings and more likely to make mistakes.
- There’s significantly less daylight in the winter, leading to more driving at night in low-light conditions.
In Florida, we’re fortunate to have warm weather conditions all year round—including in December. But, if you’re driving out-of-state this holiday season, keep in mind that snowstorms, ice, and sleet can lead to dangerous driving conditions. Proceed with caution!
Avoiding Accidents This Holiday Season
Stay safe this season by planning ahead and optimizing your travel days. Here are a few tips to consider:
- Check your vehicle’s brakes, fluids, and tire pressure before hitting the road to prevent breakdowns and other emergencies.
- Long travel day? Make sure to take frequent breaks, switch drivers, and get a good night’s sleep ahead of the trip.
- Travel during off-peak times whenever possible to avoid heavy traffic.
- Curb distractions by preparing your navigation system and playlists ahead of time. If you need to shoot a text or pick up the phone, pull over to do so.
- Keep an eye out for impaired drivers and report signs of driving under the influence, like swerving and ignoring road signs, to the authorities.
Everyone at Weldon & Rothman, PL wishes you and your family a safe, happy holiday season!