Do Car Accidents Increase During the Holiday Season?

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The holiday season unfortunately sees a rise in the number of car accidents in New Jersey and nationwide. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s have some of the highest rates of motor vehicle crashes of any day of the year. But how does the holiday season impact the rates of car accidents?

Holiday Season Accident Statistics

According to the National Safety Council, an estimated 500 fatalities occurred in traffic accidents over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Nearly 400 fatalities occur over Christmas. And over 400 fatalities occur on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. 

Causes of Car Accidents During the Holidays

Certain factors unique to the holiday season contribute to the spike in motor vehicle accidents. Some of these causes include:

• Nighttime driving, as the holiday season has some of the shortest daylight hours
• Intoxicated driving, with people driving home from holiday dinners and parties after consuming alcohol
• Distracted driving, with drivers caught up with holiday stress or distracted by their cell phones
• Aggressive driving/road rage
• Increased traffic, which means higher chances of accidents
• Unfamiliarity with roads for drivers who travel for the holidays
• Drowsy/fatigued driving that can occur during long road trips or when driving late at night
• Inadequate vehicle maintenance that leads to mechanical issues as temperatures drop

How to Stay Safe on the Road During the Holidays

Tips to keep safe while behind the wheel during the holiday season include:

• Avoid cell phone use while driving: If you need to make a call or text or adjust your navigation, pull over when safe to do so.
• Take frequent breaks on long car trips: If you have another driver in the vehicle with you, take turns with driving duty so that everyone stays fresh behind the wheel.
• Never drink and drive: If you plan to consume alcohol at a holiday party or meal, have a designated driver, call a rideshare, or make plans to stay over for the night.

What to Do If You Were in a Car Crash

Steps you need to take after being involved in a car accident to help protect your legal rights and options include:

• Exchange information with the other driver or drivers involved in the accident
• Take photos and videos of the accident scene with your cell phone
• Report the crash to your auto insurance provider as soon as possible
• Seek prompt medical attention after the accident to have your doctor diagnose any injuries you may have suffered
• Follow your provider’s treatment plan and instructions
• Keep records of your financial expenses and losses from the accident, including vehicle repairs, medical treatment, and lost wages/income
• Start a journal to document your recovery from your injuries, including the pain and impairment you experience
• Avoid discussing the accident and anything related to it on your social media channels

Finally, make time to speak to a car accident attorney as soon as you can after the crash to get started on preparing and pursuing your claims for compensation. 

Contact a Rochelle Park Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at The Epstein Law Firm represent clients injured because of car accidents in Jersey City, Union City, Bayonne, Hoboken, and throughout New Jersey. Call 201-231-7847 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 340 West Passaic St., Rochelle Park, NJ 07762.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.