The holidays are a time for us to join together and spend time with family and friends. Every year, millions take to the roads to visit with their loved ones. Our streets become crowded with holiday traffic. The last thing any of us want to think about is the potential for a car accident during this time, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t.
- An average of 343 people die every year during the three-day Christmas holiday.
- An average of 373 people die every year during the three-day New Year holiday.
Tragedy often picks the worst time to strike and this year was no exception.
4 Killed in Lake Placid Crash
This Christmas, four people tragically lost their lives while on the road near Lake Placid.
While details have been slow to come out due to the holidays, we do have some facts from the accident already.
On December 25th, a man drove his Buick down the wrong lane of traffic as he approached a curve on State Road 70. On the curve, the Buick collided head on with a driver who was traveling in the correct lane of traffic.
Upon collision, the Buick flipped into a ditch off of State Road 70 and became engulfed in flames. The Buick driver and his passenger were killed.
Tragically, these weren’t the only lives lost in the car crash. The driver of the other car and their 16-year-old passenger were both killed in the collision.
Holiday Accident Causes
As I mentioned before, the numbers show that the holidays are some of the most dangerous times to be on the road. Over 700 people die every year in the one-week period of Christmas and New Year’s.
Alcohol-Impaired Driving
One of the biggest causes of holiday road fatalities is alcohol impairment. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 781 people lost their lives to drunk driving accidents in December 2016 alone. Many choose to enjoy a few drinks with family and friends for the holidays. The problem is when they decide to hit the road after. If you’ve been drinking, stay off the roads. For your safety and for the safety of others.
Bad Weather
While our Florida residents don’t often worry about driving through snow or ice, poor weather conditions are a major cause of holiday accidents. We may not deal with snow or ice, but we certainly know the dangers of a bad storm. It’s even more dangerous when you combine the increased holiday traffic. When the roads are wet and the traffic is constant, it’s more important than ever to practice safe driving.
Reckless and Distracted Driving
You may be in a rush to get home for the holidays. You may have a million and one loose ends that still need tying up for Christmas festivities. Whatever the reason, reckless and distracted drivers are a major cause for concern during the holidays. Slow down, watch the road, and save the planning for when you get to where you’re going.
Contact Brooks Law Group
The reality is, there are many things that can go wrong when holiday traffic is involved. That’s why it’s more important than ever to stay safe and be prepared. If you or a loved on has been injured on the road, you need legal representation you can count on. No matter the season, our auto accident attorneys and staff are here for you. Call Brooks Law Group at (800) LAW-3030 or fill out our online case review form for your free case evaluation today. You don’t pay us unless we recover compensation for you. Connect with a law firm that cares about you. Look to Brooks!
