While Santa Claus relies on reindeer power to get around, locals do not have the same luxury. With more drivers on the road – plus the inevitable stress of the holidays – statistics show an increase in collisions and fatalities. A holiday accident and compounded by the pandemic, a factor that adds more anxiety to an already chaotic time of year.
According to new data from Cars.com, 84% of Americans who traveled for Thanksgiving Day planned to drive to their destination. This is clear evidence that the travel industry is on the rebound! Many families are planning to hit the road this month as well, eager to escape cold climates and travel south. Whether they are visiting family or vacationing, many set their sights on Charleston. That means locals will be sharing the roads with tourists who may not be as familiar with our area.
8 Reasons For Holiday Accident Increasing Car Crashes
Here at Hoffman Law Firm, our Charleston car accident lawyers have identified several reasons for the increased number of car crashes:
- Traffic congestion
With more folks off work and more tourists in town, expect the roadways to be crowded. - Distracted driving or multitasking
A seemingly endless to-do list causes many drivers to take their mind off the road ahead. - Inclement weather
Harsher driving conditions, like the occasional bridge icing, are often to blame for winter auto accidents in South Carolina. - Daylight Savings Time
With sunset occurring earlier and earlier, drivers must spend more time driving in the dark. - High stress
Holiday stress can lead to impatience, which in turn often results in speeding and reckless driving. - Drunk driving
With holiday parties crowding the calendar, drivers may be tempted to get behind the wheel after a few drinks. - Unfamiliarity with the area
Downtown streets in particular can be tricky to navigate, often resulting in traffic collisions for out-of-towners unfamiliar with the area. - Neglected car maintenance
With so much to do, many drivers skip recommended vehicle maintenance, like oil changes and tire rotations.
Tips For Staying Safe On The Roads This Holiday Season
Our personal injury legal team is committed to keeping your family safe. We understand that some auto accidents cannot be avoided, but these proactive tips can help decrease your risk of having to file a car accident claim:
- Pack your patience.
Anticipate traffic and give yourself extra time to reach your destination. - Never drink and drive.
Driving under the influence not only puts your life at risk, but others on the road as well. - Do not text and drive.
Texting and driving is incredibly dangerous – even if you glance at your phone for just a moment. - Check the weather.
To ensure your route is safe, check the forecast before leaving home. If you encounter winter weather, drive with extra caution. - Keep your vehicle properly maintained.
Schedule a service appointment to ensure your car is road-ready.
If you are involved in an holiday accident or any auto accident, seek medical attention immediately. Even if you do not think you are injured, make a quick visit to the doctor to be sure. If pain arises later on and you decide to file a personal injury claim, this step could dramatically impact your injury case.
Our car accident lawyers in Charleston County will help you recover the compensation you deserve – for medical bills, Workers’ Compensation, pain and suffering and more. If your vehicle requires repair or replacement, we can help with that, too! Trust our team to handle all communication with the driver’s insurance company so you can focus on your recovery.
Hoffman Law Firm Serves Our Community Every Day Of The Year
Our Charleston car accident lawyers are proud to serve Lowcountry locals and low country reviews shows they love us too! We are here for you not only during the holiday season, but each day of the year! If you are injured and seeking compensation, we are always available to take your case in our North Charleston office. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe, happy holiday season! Enjoy time spent with family and friends – and if you need us, we’re here to help!
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