Five Major Risks That Contribute to Auto Accidents During the Holidays

More people drive during the holiday season than during any other time of the year. When they are out on the road, they do not always take every precaution they should, leading to a higher risk of auto accidents. Here are just five of the biggest reasons that people suffer motor vehicle accidents during the holiday season:

1. Driving at night
   • A natural consequence of the winter season is that days are shorter and nights are longer. This means more people are driving at night during the winter than at other times of the year, with far less visibility than they would have during the day. This reduced visibility significantly contributes to the frequency of auto accidents during the winter.
2. Driving on slippery roads
   • While rain is a hazard year-round, the winter brings with it ice and slush, which make roads even more slippery than usual. Driving during or soon after a winter storm can mean travelling on roads with very little traction, making it easy for vehicles to skid out of control. If possible, avoid driving when the road is icy or wet to decrease your chances of getting into an auto accident, and consider getting snow tires if you are regularly driving during these dangerous conditions.
3. Driving with poorly maintained vehicles
   • Not everyone is diligent about keeping their vehicles in good condition, a fact that becomes more apparent during the winter. Poorly maintained vehicles are less able to handle the dangerous road conditions often seen during the holiday season, and may be less able to maneuver around road hazards. In some cases, a poorly maintained vehicle may suffer a catastrophic mechanical failure, resulting in an accident.
4. Driving while tired
   • It is always a bad idea to drive when you are tired, but this risk becomes much more apparent during the holidays. People who are tired have slower reaction times and worse judgment than other drivers, and are less able to react to dangerous conditions. In the worst case scenario, people can even fall asleep behind the wheel, causing auto accidents by themselves.
5. Driving while distracted
   • Cell phones, tablets, and other portable electronic devices can provide plenty of dangerous distractions for drivers, but during the holidays, it may be more mundane distractions you need to watch out for. Screaming children and arguing relatives can be just as distracting as a cell phone, causing you to take your eyes off the road. Remaining attentive while driving is crucial to avoiding auto accidents.

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