Holiday Driving Tips To Reduce Bradenton Car Accident Risks

The holidays are a time to celebrate, with lots of decorating, cooking, and gift-giving. It often involves frequent trips to local stores and plans to visit with family and friends. Unfortunately, in addition to creating heavy traffic conditions at this time of year, it increases Bradenton car accident risks.

Even seemingly minor crashes can cause serious personal injuries, while more major collisions can be life-threatening. Our Bradenton car accident lawyer offers tips on how drivers can reduce the risks during this holiday season.

Car Accidents In Bradenton More Common During Holiday Season

With the amount of traffic in our area and easy access to main highways and interstates, car accidents in Bradenton pose serious risks. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), close to 6,000 happen each year. These often leave victims suffering severe, potentially life-threatening personal injuries. Sadly, the holidays are the time of year when they are most likely to happen.

The period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is one of the most dangerous times to be on the road. Shorter daylight hours and heavier traffic in our area during the holiday season increase the risk, but reckless driving is often the underlying cause. Dangerous behavior other motorists often engage in includes:

• Aggressive driving, such as tailgating and cutting other motorists off in traffic;
• Running red lights and disregarding other traffic signs and signals;
• Speeding and going too fast for conditions;
• Distracted driving, such as focusing on texting or making calls instead of the road;
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs.

Reduce Bradenton Car Accident Risks This Holiday Season

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that car accident injuries are a leading cause of death and disability in the United States and are more likely to happen over the holiday season. To reduce your risks of being involved in a holiday car accident in Bradenton, follow these tips:

• When taking trips, whether to local stores or to visit family, expect traffic and allow plenty of time to reach your destination;
• If traveling to another state, check weather and road conditions before you go;
• Make sure your car is serviced to prevent breakdowns, which increase Bradenton car accident risks;
• Be considerate of other drivers and refrain from engaging in aggressive behavior, even if provoked;
• Use caution in parking lots, near shopping centers, at local events, or anywhere with heavy traffic;
• Focus on what you are doing rather than your plans for the holidays;
• Never get behind the wheel if you have any amount of alcohol in your system;
• If you plan on drinking, make other arrangements to get home.

Reach Out To Our Bradenton Car Accident Lawyer

Holiday car accidents in Bradenton are common and can have devastating impacts on your family. To get the compensation you need to recover, reach out to the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely. Contact our Bradenton car accident lawyer and request a consultation today.

Sources:

flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2020.pdf

cdc.gov/injury/features/holiday-road-safety/index.html