2021 Seasonal & Holiday Travel Risks
The holiday season is a time when families come together, parties are planned and friends travel. The pandemic has made this year’s gatherings slightly different than before but to ensure the holidays are relaxing and enjoyable we still want to discuss how you can keep your family safe while they’re on the road during these busy months!
Travel Safe In Wyoming
Increased Police Presence: The police presence on roads and railways is increased beginning the Monday before Thanksgiving through January 1st.
If you plan on traveling this year, be sure your vehicle is in good running condition and you have plenty of rest. Traveling by car during the holidays has the highest fatality rate of any major form of transportation based on fatalities per passenger mile. In 2020, it is estimated 163 people died on New Year’s Day, 485 on Thanksgiving Day, and for Christmas Day 2019, it is estimated 115 lost their lives, according to Injury Facts. Alcohol impairment is involved in about a third of the fatalities.
Ten minutes is just a fraction of your typically busy day. It goes by so fast, you may not even think about it! What can happen in 10 short minutes?
*You could brew a cup of coffee
*Take the dog for a walk
*Wash dishes
*or even switch laundry
In the United States during that same time period, the preventable incidents will cause: Three people will die; 919 others sustain injuries severe enough for them to go see a doctor or medical professional (and those costs add up quickly); and $20+ million dollars worth bad things could be prevented if we all just slowed down, put mobile devices down, and left a little earlier with the plan of traffic delays.
Motor Vehicle, poising, and falls account for over 83% of all preventable deaths.
- In 2019, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated that 799 auto fatalities would occur across the U.S. over the Christmas and New Year holidays.
- Wyoming, Virginia, and Colorado ranked 2020’s worst-driving states in our fifth annual Best and Worst Drivers by State.
Weather Conditions When Traveling
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reports that of the close to six million car accidents each year in America, a quarter are due to adverse weather conditions. While heavy snowfall and icy roads could be factors if you’re heading out east or up into mountains; nearly half happen during wet rainy periods – so keep an eye on those tires! Be aware of how slippery they’ll get with every passing drop outside as well as what impact this has for braking distances when accelerating back onto dry pavement again: reduce speed carefully if possible, give yourself plenty more time than usual to reach your destination.
Reckless Driving
The most common factors in holiday accidents are the reckless actions of other drivers: not only do they cause dangerous traffic situations, but these incidents also damage your car and can lead to expensive repairs. Extended road trips and busy schedules can make you more tired, while new scenery or anticipation of events become distractions for some people who drive distractedly because they’re looking at something else on their phone instead of watching where they’re going! To avoid car wrecks, put your phone done, have your GPS set up before you start, and everything you may need within reach.
Drunk Driving
The NHTSA reports that more than 40 percent of Thanksgiving traffic fatalities occurred as the result of a drunk driver. If you plan on drinking alcohol as part of your holiday festivities, use a designated driver or get a ride home.
- Recognize the adverse effects medication can have on your driving abilities.
- Don’t get behind the wheel if you are under the influence of alcohol, even if you only had a few drinks.
What to do if an Accident Occurs
In the event you are involved in a holiday accident, it’s important to remember that despite taking all precautions and making sure everything is safe for driving; sometimes things can still go wrong. When dealing with this type of situation make sure your safety comes first by staying calm no matter what happens- don’t drive away without help if something has been damaged by an auto collision!!!
- Notify Law Enforcement
- Exchange personal contact, vehicle, and insurance information with other drivers involved and witnesses as the scene
- Make note of all witnesses who may have seen the accident
- Get medical attention right away, even if you think injuries are minor. (Nothing worse than waking up with pain the next day .)
- Contact Edwards Law Office
- Report Accident to Insurance
Insurance companies are in business to make money, and one of the ways they do this is by denying or undervaluing claims. Before accepting an insurance settlement offer after a personal injury accident you should contact Edwards Law Office- we can arrange for free consultation so that together we may advise on what course would be best suited towards getting compensation needed so as not only help with recovering from your injuries but also gain some understanding about how these events have impacted other aspects such financial stability going forward too! Call us today at 307-883-2222