The “most wonderful time of the year” is, once again, quickly upon us. Several folks travel to and from San Diego to visit loved ones and friends. Many people drive all over Southern California for shopping, holiday parties, and sight-seeing. Though ’tis the season to be jolly, all of this added traffic and celebration can lead to poor decision-making on the part of many drivers, and that can lead to life-changing automobile accidents.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind while hitting the roads this holiday season.
GIVE YOURSELF PLENTY OF TIME
At some point during the holidays, it seems each of us is rushing to get something done or to make it to an event on time. This haste can have an adverse effect on our judgment and can easily lead to frustration. It is under this kind of stress that many poor decisions are made. So be sure to give yourself a good deal of time to get where you’re going. Easier said than done, right? It’s important to understand that allowing yourself that extra 10 or 15 minutes to get where you’re going can have an enormous impact on your life and the lives of others.
DON’T DRIVE DROWSY
Before getting on the road for a long trip, get plenty of sleep. It’s that simple. According to the CDC, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that between 2005 and 2009, drowsy driving was responsible for an annual average of 83,000 crashes, 37,000 injury crashes, and 886 fatal crashes. The CDC also suggests that these estimates are conservative, though, and up to 6,000 fatal crashes each year may be caused by drowsy drivers.
STAY SOBER ON THE ROAD
With all the festivities happening around the holidays, it’s tempting to have a couple of drinks and hop behind the wheel. The merriment! The joy! The friends! The buzz! – Bad idea. It’s simply not worth it to drive while impaired at ANY time, particularly around the holidays when so many other drivers are under the same temptation. Your slow reaction time and another driver’s slow reaction time can make the chances of an accident even greater. And with ride-sharing services so abundant in San Diego, it doesn’t make sense to drive drunk. Save yourself a potentially life-altering accident and don’t get behind the wheel while impaired. And don’t let others do it either!
We all wish that everyone makes it to and from their destinations safe and sound this season. But the sad reality is that some of us won’t. If you or someone you love gets in a San Diego car accident this holiday season, be sure to get experienced legal assistance. The team at Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers is ready to give you a free consultation, and to help you through a difficult experience in what should otherwise be a joyous time of year. Call us at (619) 233-5020 or Toll Free (888) 233-5020 today.
