Be careful driving over New Year’s

The holiday season in New York is coming to an end soon, with New Year’s just around the corner. Many of us have been enjoying ourselves in recent days with holiday travel, parties and spending time with family and friends.

You have most likely noticed an increase in traffic on the roads, as there typically is every year around the holidays.

More traffic often means more accidents, and some recent estimates demonstrate just how dangerous traveling over the holidays can be.

Estimated fatalities over the New Year period

The National Safety Council estimates that approximately 408 people could die on roads throughout the country during the New Year’s Day holiday period.

The reasons behind this statistic are rather simple. Most people use cars for holiday traveling, which have the highest accident death rate among motor vehicles.

Additionally, the New Year’s holiday traditionally involves a lot of alcohol-based parties and events, leading to more intoxicated drivers on the roads.

Avoid becoming a statistic

There are many things you can do to reduce your chance of a serious or deadly accident during times like this. Always drive sober or get a ride if you have been drinking.

Try to avoid driving during busy times, such as rush hour, or late at night, when there are more likely to be intoxicated people on the road. Do not speed, even if you are running late to an event.

Always obey traffic laws and try to avoid road rage or aggressive driving. This is also a major factor in many car accidents.

What to do if you are in an accident

You can control your own driving, but even the safest drivers sometimes find themselves the victim of a car accident. Distracted, drunk or aggressive driving are all forms of negligent driving, which is the basis for a personal injury claim after a car accident.

A car accident is not how most people want to start their new year. If you find yourself in this unfortunate position, a conversation with a personal injury attorney can help you learn about your legal options.