Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog
‘Tis the season for good cheer – but don’t let this one be ruined by a holiday car crash. Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys know we tend to see more collisions over the holidays between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day than at most other times during the year. People are rushed, speeding, distracted and sometimes impaired – and the roads are crowded with folks shopping, visiting family and running other related errands.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reported some 94 million people travel 50 miles or more during the holidays, a number that has been steadily increasing the last few years. More than 90 percent of those travelers get to their destination by motor vehicle. Travel rates may be impacted this year – increasing the risk of a Miami holiday car crash – thanks to low gas prices and an increasing tendency of people to travel further distances by car. This likely has something to do with the spiking cost of air travel, leading more people to opt for a road trip than a flight.
Last year, New Year’s Eve drunk driving case ended in tragedy, making headlines in the Orlando Sentinel. An alleged drunk driver in Winter park was reportedly traveling an estimated 130 mph on Orange Avenue in a residential neighborhood and crashed into another vehicle. The speed limit on the road was 35 mph. He allegedly t-boned a sport utility vehicle, killing the two 23-year-old women inside. He had previous speeding violations on his driving record, but for the last, had only paid a $254 fine. The reportedly impaired driver was charged with two counts of vehicular homicide.
What You Can Do to Avoid a Miami Holiday Car Crash
Drunk driving is of course a top concern around the holidays, particularly New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. (After midnight tends to be the time most drunk drivers are out on that holiday.) So first and foremost, if you plan to drink, plan not to drive. Ride-sharing services are widely available and affordable in Fort Lauderdale (and a whole lot cheaper than an arrest for DUI).
The second biggest factor in avoiding a Fort Lauderdale holiday car crash to consider is distraction. This counts all-year-round, of course, but holiday shoppers are often harried and not paying attention. Many are trying to wrap up last-minute deals for work, and are frequently on their phones and scrolling through emails. Others are gathering socially, and may be more likely riding together. If you have a message to send, ask a passenger. If you don’t have one, pull over. Keep your eyes – and your mind – fixed firmly on the road.
Finally, watch your speed. This again is true any time you are on the road. However, when traffic is more congested, it’s critically important. You may have less time to stop if another driver pulls an unexpected maneuver (more likely when drivers are distracted). Observe all speed limit signs and lower your speed when road conditions warrant greater caution, such as when approaching a busy shopping plaza or in areas where families and children are gathered. (Be especially attentive too when navigating shopping complexes, parking lots and garages. These areas are rife for pedestrian accidents around the holidays.)
If you can limit your road travel, of course, this will reduce your risk of a holiday car crash. If however you are injured in a crash, contact our experienced Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys to learn more about protecting your rights and obtaining compensation.
Call Freeman Injury Law — 1-800-561-7777 for a free appointment to discuss your rights. Now serving Orlando, West Palm Beach, Port St. Lucie and Fort Lauderdale.
Additional Resources:
MORE THAN ONE IN FOUR AMERICANS TO TAKE A ROAD TRIP THIS HOLIDAY SEASON: AAA, Dec. 13, 2012, AAA
More Blog Entries:
Car Accident Injury Attorney: Orlando No. 1 for Florida Distracted Driving, Oct. 4, 2018, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog