Now that the holidays are around the corner, it’s time to get serious about safe holiday driving. The extra pressures and dangers of this season can mean an increased risk of car accidents in Homestead and Florida and this is a devastating time of year to be injured.
There are many reasons why this time of year is more accident prone. Hectic schedules and more cars on the road due to holiday shopping and events can mean frayed tempers and distraction. In addition, holiday parties increase the likelihood of drunk driving. Even though in Florida we are fortunate not to have to deal with winter and snow, we still have plenty of hazards. Here’s how to stay safer during this special time of year:
- Look out for parking lot accidents. Most of us shop at this time of year, and big crowds can increase the likelihood of collisions. When shopping, park strategically. Choose a spot further away if you have to, but make sure you are in a well-lit area with good lighting and visibility as well as a space for pedestrian traffic so you can move safely from the shops to your car. When backing out or driving through parking areas, slow down and stay alert. Be aware that children excited by the holidays may run out in front of cars.
- Do not pile gifts high in your car. Try to keep presents in the trunk, where they are safer from thieves and also will not block your visibility. If that’s not an option, at least place items low on the seats. If you have large items which block visibility or do not allow you to close doors or your trunk correctly, have them delivered.
- Have good plans to get home safely if you drink. Even if you don’t plan on drinking, keep in mind you may forget about your plans to drive home and imbibe after all. Always have a back-up plan to get home safely. Download ride share and taxi apps so you can phone to get home safely, designate a driver, or exchange numbers with friends who can drive you home.
- Talk to the people you love about safe driving. Talk to your children about the dangers of holiday and drunk driving and encourage friends and family to call you if they need a safe ride home during the holidays. Offer to rideshare if you are going to an event so you can share in the responsibility.
- Be vigilant about distracted, fatigued, and sick driving. Distractions can be caused by holiday events, holiday lights and decorations, and by busy schedules. Drive defensively so you keep your focus on driving. Similarly, make sure you are getting enough sleep. If you are affected by a cold or flu this flu season (which rather unfortunately coincides with the busy holiday season), avoid driving if you are feeling unwell or sleepy enough that it might affect your ability to operate a car. Also, check your cold and flu medication—some over-the-counter and prescription medication can make you tired enough to make you a danger on the roads.
If you are injured in a car accident in Homestead or anywhere in South Florida this year, you can always contact Flaxman Law Group at 1-866-352-9626 (1-866-FLAXMAN) to speak to a live person and to arrange a free, no obligation consultation with a Homestead car crash attorney.