We’ve enjoyed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and now New Year’s is here! Ushering in the New Year is exciting and full of hope and new opportunities. All the fun often brings loved ones and friends together to celebrate and party. Unfortunately, New Year’s Eve can be one of the very most dangerous times for you to be out and about, traveling to loved ones’ homes or friends’ parties. In fact, The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that about “408 people may die on U.S. roads this New Year’s Day 2023”.
Why is the New Year holiday so dangerous, and what can you do to stay safe this year? What if you do end up ushering in the New Year with an accident? What steps can you take so that your accident doesn’t consume your entire coming year?
Why the Increased Danger?
Increased Alcohol Consumption
Of course, many people tend to increase their alcohol consumption during the holidays, and New Year’s is no exception. Unfortunately, not everyone plays it safe by calling an Uber or planning ahead with a designated driver. Those who get behind the wheel while intoxicated put themselves and the innocent people around them at risk for an accident that could result in injuries or fatalities.
Accidents involving drunk drivers who are unable to make good decisions, have slower reaction times, drive faster, and are less coordinated are completely avoidable and preventable (on the part of the potential drunk driver). Make sure you are not a statistic this year, and do what you need to avoid driving under the influence.
More Drivers on the Road
Alcohol consumption isn’t the only reason for increased car accidents during the holidays. Someone that is totally sober can be extra tired because of all the festivities they’ve been involved in. Leaving a party drowsy and tired can be extremely dangerous and sometimes even as risky as driving drunk.
Harsh Weather Conditions
New Year’s rolls around during the roughest weather of the year. Harsh weather can result in icy roads and falling snow, making it hard to see and drive safely. Did you know that weather-related car accidents actually kill more people each year than large weather disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes and flooding?
While harsh weather can play a large role in car accidents, it doesn’t mean no one is at fault. In some cases, the other party could be to blame for various reasons. For example, they could have been driving too fast for the conditions. There could be a driver that hasn’t maintained their vehicle tires, resulting in slipping on the road much easier and not being able to keep the traction necessary to keep control. Talk to an attorney about any kind of questionable accident liability.
Distracted Driving
During the holiday season, it’s easy to get distracted by all that needs to be done. Friends and family members are constantly trying to reach you. You’re planning parties, picking up gifts, and more. Driving distracted happens in the blink of an eye, without even thinking about it. Soon, you find that you, too, are ushering in the New Year with the aftermath of a car accident looming over your head.
Stay Safe This New Year’s Holiday
Hosting a party this year? Remember to have non-alcoholic drinks available too. This can make it much easier for your guests to leave sober or have a designated driver that can still enjoy your party. Be sure there is food available as well so that those drinking alcohol aren’t doing it on an empty stomach.
If you can, do your best to stay off the road in the late-night hours and when you do travel, always be sure you’re wearing a seatbelt.
Watch the weather reports and plan to travel on days that are clear and safe to drive in. You don’t want to put your family at unnecessary risk if you can help it. Taking extra care and precautions with your vehicle can also help keep you safe. Do you need snow tires? Do you have blankets, a first aid kit, jumper cables, flares, a portable phone charger, extra water, and some protein bars or other snacks stored in case you need them? These are all good ideas to keep handy if you are stranded somewhere because of bad weather or a vehicle breakdown or crash.
Ushering in the New Year with An Accident
If you have been in an accident, the first thing to do is to seek medical attention. If you are okay, check with the other party involved in the crash to see if they need medical help. If you are back and forth about whether you need to see a doctor, do it. It will not only help you be sure that any symptoms you’re experiencing aren’t something more, but it could also help support a potential legal case.
Taking pictures and video at the scene as well as getting witness contact information, can help you if you were to pursue legal action.
Your next step is to call an attorney with experience in car accidents and injury cases. If you want to have your best chances of successfully coming out the other end of a lawsuit, you will need a strong attorney team.
The Accident Attorneys You Want and Need Working for You
Celebrating the New Year is a great and meaningful way to begin your year. You can do your part and go out of your way to stay safe, but others may not be doing the same. If you find yourself ushering in the New Year with an accident and maybe even injuries, call your trusted legal representatives at Wormington & Bollinger. We can begin working on your case so that you can get the best possible compensation you can to pay for car damages, medical bills, lost wages, and more. Call Wormington & Bollinger today to learn more about your case.