Infographic: 5 Road Hazards to Avoid During Winter Holidays

The holidays are a time to celebrate with friends and family, which means traveling for many people. More drivers on the roads and worsening weather can create severe safety hazards. The team at Mann Wyatt Tanksley Injury Attorneys wants to help you stay safe this season by providing helpful information about the most common road hazards to watch out for this holiday season. To learn more about holiday driving hazards, contact us for a free consultation.

5 Dangerous Road Hazards to Avoid This Holiday Season

According to holiday accident statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number of car accidents increases during the November to January holiday season.

To help combat the surge in traffic collisions, here are a few especially dangerous hazards to watch for when traveling over the holidays:

Drunk driving — The NHTSA reported nearly 300 DUI-related deaths nationwide during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays in one recent year. Be alert for drunk drivers when traveling and report them to the police when you see them.
Distracted driving — A driver who takes their eyes off the road, lets their mind wander, or removes their hands from the steering wheel is more likely to cause an accident. Distracted drivers can create even more havoc in the winter because of poor road conditions.
Bad weather — Drivers need more room to stop on icy streets than on dry roads. Drivers who do not account for winter weather can quickly lose control and cause a crash.
Pedestrians — Short days and poor weather can make it difficult for motorists to see pedestrians. Drivers should be extra careful when driving through residential areas or crowded urban areas to avoid hitting pedestrians.
More people on the road — With so many people traveling for the holidays, roads can quickly become congested. This extra traffic increases the chances of an accident. Even worse, many people are traveling to areas where they may not know local roads or what hazards to watch out for. This surge in out-of-town travelers causes many accidents every year.

How to Be Prepared in Case of an Accident During the Holidays

Here are a few winter driving safety tips to remember this holiday season:

Check the weather forecast along your route — If you may run into bad weather, consider adjusting your route or departure date.
Make an emergency kit and store it in your car — The kit should contain snacks, water, blankets, flares, an emergency radio, first aid supplies, and a flashlight.
Invest in snow tires or chains — If you’re traveling through areas with ice or snow, anything you can do to increase traction will help you maintain control.
Be gentle when accelerating, slowing down, and turning — You could cause your car to skid if you make aggressive maneuvers.
Double your following distance — More space reduces the risk of collisions if you lose control of your vehicle.

At Mann Wyatt Tanksley Injury Attorneys, we hope you stay safe this holiday season. However, we’re here to help if you find yourself in an accident someone else caused. Contact us as soon as possible for a free consultation with a car accident attorney.