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Learn how to avoid holiday car accidents in Texas.

How to Stay Safe and Avoid Accidents During Winter Travel

The winter holidays are fast approaching. Record high numbers of vehicle travel are expected for 2024, and if you’re among those planning to hit the road for the holidays this year, you need to be prepared.

Statistics show a higher rate of road accidents during holidays than during the rest of the year. You’ll need to be on high alert to protect yourself.

The following information will give you an understanding of why these accidents happen and how to drive safely during the winter season. Being informed is essential; at Carabin Shaw, we value your awareness.

What are the Common Causes of Winter Holiday Road Trip Accidents?

There are several factors unique to the holiday season that increase the risk and frequency of car accidents, including:

Increased Traffic — More cars mean more opportunities for mistakes. Additionally, the increase in traffic delays due to the increased traffic causes immense stress, increasing the likelihood of driver error and road rage. Many drivers will be traveling from out of town or from other states and will be unfamiliar with the roads.
Weather Conditions — Snow, ice, and heavy rains are common during this season. This increases the challenge for drivers because it results in poor tire traction, low visibility, and slick roads.
Human Behavior — According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 94% of road accidents are caused by human factors. These include speeding, drunk driving, driver fatigue, and distracted driving.
Speeding — Excessive speeding contributes to a majority of auto accidents in Texas every year.
Drunk Driving — Drunk driving greatly increases during the winter holidays, especially in Texas. Driving under the influence affects your focus and decision-making on the road, which leads to serious accidents.
Driver Fatigue — Stress and overtiredness can cause drivers to lose focus or fall asleep at the wheel, causing serious accidents.
Distracted Driving — Activities like using phones or eating while driving, which causes your sight to drift away from the road, are very dangerous because they put you and your loved ones at risk of a road accident.
Mechanical Defects — Vehicular systems may act up due to the weather and cause accidents.Too much cold may increase the chance of your car’s wear and tear.

Tips for Safe Driving During Winter Conditions

Although winter holidays could increasingly affect the risk of road accidents, there are also ways to lessen or avoid this circumstance.

Watch the Weather: Being aware of the rain, frozen roads, or ice storms may help you avoid getting into a road accident. You can stay at home or be equipped with the necessary things that may help you along the road.
Check Your Vehicle: Before you hit the road, ensure your vehicle is winter-ready. Ensure your battery, coolant, and wiper blades are in pristine condition. Ensure your tire tread isn’t worn out and in need of replacement. Washer fluid should be topped off and winter-grade to avoid freezing. A well-working vehicle is one of the best precautions against any kind of road accident.
Maintain Your Composure: It is vital to keep your cool when on the road. Avoid sudden movements like quick breaks and sharp turns. Slow your pace when taking an icy road, and make sure to leave extra following distance during any inclement weather. Also, use your headlights even during the day to increase road visibility and to be seen by other drivers.
Prepare and Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Car: Being ready for any situation is a must. So, you must keep an emergency supply kit that you can use when you get trapped or stuck on the road. You may consider jumper cables, flares, an ice scraper, a snow shovel, a cell phone charger, blankets, a map, sand, a flashlight, and water.

By following these safety tips, you can prevent winter holiday road accidents. If not, you are at least equipped with the essential tools to help you survive while waiting for help.

Not So Jolly Car Accident? Call Shaw!

If you’re hurt in a car accident that wasn’t your fault while traveling for the holidays, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:

Ambulance Costs,
ER Treatment,
Surgeries,
Medical Bills,
Pain and Suffering,
Property Damage,
Missed Work,
Wrongful Death,
And More.

We can help you find out for free.

Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today or use the live chat to schedule your free case evaluation with one of our car accident attorneys. No fees, no obligations, just expert legal advice. We put our clients first because we care. We look forward to serving you.