Keep Your Christmas Filled With Joy: Avoid a California Car Accidents Around the Holidays

Christmas is one of the most joyful and magical times of the year—a time to spend celebrating with family, friends, and loved ones; and a time to reflect and be grateful for all we have. Unfortunately, the weeks surrounding Christmas are some of the most deadly of the year, largely due to holiday-related driving issues.

Let’s take a closer look at the top five reasons car accidents occur around the Christmas holidays and use that information to avoid a crash this winter season.

• Drinking and driving. Christmas is a time to eat, drink, and be merry—but be careful not to drink more wassail than you can hold. It is a sad fact that even with all of the education and awareness surrounding driving while intoxicated, more than one out of three holiday accidents involve a driver who has alcohol in his or her blood.
• Driving while fatigued. Think twice between driving through the night to arrive at a relative’s house—or about trying to drive home after a long day of celebrating (even if you are sober). Also, be careful about driving at odd hours of the morning or night in an effort to avoid heavy holiday traffic—that’s when you are most likely to fall asleep at the wheel.
• Distracted driving. You might be talking on the phone with a loved one, wrangling the kids in the back seat, or trying to catch a quick bite while driving and finishing your Christmas shopping. All of these distractions can lead to a car accident, especially when combined with other holiday hazard drivers on the road. When you are behind the wheel, be sure to stay focused on the task at hand.
• Congested traffic conditions. More people are on the roads around Christmas time than almost any other time of year. This means a lot of stop-and-go traffic, especially in Southern California. Rear-end accidents on the interstate can be deadly, so don’t follow too closely and be extra careful when roads are busy.
• Weather. If you are headed to the mountains or out of state this year, you may run into inclement weather. Avoid driving in snowy conditions—even if you have a holiday function to which you are headed. Missing a party isn’t worth a serious injury or your life.

What do all five of the top holiday traffic accident causes have in common? They all are largely preventable. Stay safe this Christmas season by focusing on your driving, avoiding hazards, and using common sense.

Do you need the assistance of an Orange County car accident attorney? Call Russell & Lazarus today for a free case evaluation: (949) 851-0222.