Davis Law Group, P.S.

Tips for a safe holiday season

The winter season is a time of celebrating and merry-making with friends and family, but it is also a perilous time of year, especially on the roadways. During the months between Thanksgiving and New Years, you should be especially mindful while driving as this time of year presents extra complications which create the greater likelihood of accidents. Traffic is at an all-time high during the holidays because people are travelling to different parties and family gatherings. This congestion combined with drunk drivers, hazardous weather, and icy roads can make for very dangerous driving conditions.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2008 more than 11,000 people were killed in drunk driving crashes involving a driver with an illegal blood alcohol content. Huge numbers of drunken driving fatalities are normally witnessed during holiday seasons. The fact that we are entering a holiday season, increases our chances of witnessing incidents with drunken drivers. Statistics on DWI mishaps state that every 31 minutes someone is killed in an alcohol related crash. Drunk driving accidents are 100 percent avoidable. Anyone who has had anything to drink shouldn’t get behind the wheel, especially during such a significant time of year. It is very important to keep safe during the holiday season and to take care of your guests if you host any holiday parties. By following some of these safety precautions, however, you can make the holidays safer for everyone and avoid an accident.

1. Try to avoid driving during peak holiday times. Consider travelling on the holiday instead of a day earlier to avoid heavy traffic and to reduce the chance of being in an accident.

2. Don’t drink and drive. Lots of people will be going to holiday parties and you can’t do anything if they choose to drink and drive except stay alert and take extra precaution while driving to avoid accidents.

3. Leave early and plan your route out beforehand, this could help avoid any traffic jams and get you to your destination quicker.

4. Wear your seatbelt and don’t talk or text while driving. During the holidays, drivers should be as alert as possible to avoid any chance of being involved in an accident.

5. If you host a holiday party make sure to stay sober, serve food, and make sure that you don’t let any of your guest drink and drive. Have an alternative mode of transportation, like a taxi, to help your guest get home.