The holidays are upon us, and it is one of the most dangerous times to drive on the roads in Savannah.
From poor weather conditions to an abundance of cars on the road, everyone should take extra precautions during the holidays to stay safe while they're driving.
Due to the pandemic, more and more people choose to drive rather than fly over the holidays, putting even more people on the road.
Whether you are driving across the country or just across town, it is essential to stay safe on the roads so you can see your family over the holidays.
Related post: Should I See a Savannah Chiropractor After a Car Accident?
If you are injured in an accident, our Savannah Car Accident Chiropractor can help you.
As you prepare to make your plans for the upcoming holiday season, check out the tips below that will help keep you safe as you travel to and from Savannah.
Table of Contents
- Why Is Driving During The Holidays So Dangerous?
- How To Avoid Car Accidents This Holiday Season in Savannah
- Bottom Line
- Contact The Arrowhead Clinic in Savannah
Why Is Driving During The Holidays So Dangerous?
Holiday driving is dangerous because there is always an increase in accidents and fatalities.
Everyone is trying to do so much in so little time, leading to increased stress and decreased patience.
When you're behind the wheel, that's not a good combination.
The current pandemic is only compounding the problem because stress levels were at an all-time high for many Americans before the holiday season even rolled around.
This is sure to increase the number of accidents during the holidays.
And according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, even though there were fewer drivers on the roads early on in the pandemic, risky driving behaviors became more likely.
Take those risky behaviors into the holiday season, and you have a recipe for disaster.
The holidays also tempt people to indulge in a little bit of alcohol before they get behind the wheel.
The Department of Transportation has reported that in December, there are over 750 drunk driving fatalities.
There are many reasons to be happy and jolly during the holiday season. Still, we also need to be more aware (and responsible) when we get behind the wheel.
Accidents can happen at any time of the year for any reason, but there are dangers specific to the holiday season that can threaten everyone’s safety.
- Drunk driving is responsible for countless accidents and fatalities each year. There might be fewer in-person holiday events this year. However, small family gatherings can still tempt a typically careful driver to get behind the wheel while impaired.
- Even though there's not much snow or ice in Savannah, inclement weather can increase an accident's risk during the winter season. The off chance of snow, black ice, high winds, and hail can all make the holidays a challenging time to be on the road.
- Fatigue and stressed driving is especially prevalent during the holidays, especially this holiday season. People drive longer than they're used to, feel more pressed for time, and this year tensions may run higher due to several months of dealing with COVID-19.
How To Avoid Car Accidents This Holiday Season in Savannah
Keep an Eye on the Weather
Even though we don't get snow in Savannah like other parts of the country, you should still make sure to keep an eye on the weather.
The weather can take a turn for the worse out of nowhere, adding even more stress to your holiday plans.
If you leave Savannah and travel out of state where snow and ice can hamper holiday travel, it is especially important to keep an eye on the weather.
Getting stuck in a snowstorm that you aren't prepared to drive in is not a good way to spend your time.
Give yourself plenty of time to get where you're going because rushing leads to speeding, and speeding leads to accidents.
You also need to be sure your vehicle is ready for the weather.
Check your wipers blades, change your oil, check your tires, and ensure all other routine maintenance has been performed before you set out on your trip.
And keep an emergency kit in your car to help keep you and your family safe while you travel over the holidays.
Avoid Distractions
Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents all year round, and distracted driving accidents go up during the holidays.
Distracting yourself in any way is dangerous while you're driving, but text messaging and other uses of your cell phone are especially problematic over the holidays.
You are probably communicating more often with people during this time of year, and using your phone to read, enter text, or access applications requires multiple forms of your attention.
The national highway traffic safety administration has reported that this can increase crash risks by up to 23 times.
Do all you can to avoid distractions and concentrate on your surroundings any time you drive.
Don't Drink and Drive
We shouldn't have to say this, but drunk drivers are in accidents every day, so we will: but don't drink and drive over the holidays.
You will be surrounded by family and friends having a good time, and there's a good chance alcohol will be involved.
Don't turn into a drunk driver and drive under the influence of alcohol.
Get a designated driver, use an Uber, or find another way to get home.
Drinking and driving is risky, unsafe, and deadly.
We can't stress this enough; never drink and drive.
Don't Drive Tired
Holidays are busy for everyone.
That means you are much more likely to drive tired.
Studies have shown that driving tired can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence.
Missing just a couple of hours of sleep can result in accident risks equivalent to having a BAC above the legal limit.
If you're taking longer trips or driving home after a full day of activities, get plenty of rest beforehand or take plenty of breaks while you drive.
You could also make plans to stay the night somewhere else to ensure you’re well-rested for the drive back, or travel with a spouse or a friend so you can take turns driving.
Bottom Line
You put yourself at risk every time you get behind the wheel, no matter what time of year it is.
But, driving in Savannah during the holiday season can be especially dangerous.
Seasonal activities bring more people to the area, and not everyone on the road is going to use caution. Some may be driving impaired, distracted, or tired.
It is especially critical to drive defensively to avoid a motor vehicle accident with drunk and distracted drivers on the road.
This year especially, all drivers should exercise an extra measure of caution and expect an increase in stressed drivers because COVID-19 has increased tensions at home and on the road.
Your holiday plans may look different this year, but there will still be hazards like adverse weather and distracted drivers on the roads.
Spending a little extra time planning your trip and focusing more behind the wheel will be as crucial as social distancing to keep everyone safe.
Contact The Arrowhead Clinic in Savannah
Accidents are inevitable any time of the year, no matter what you do.
Even if you do everything right, the guy in the car next to you might be doing everything wrong.
If you're involved in a car accident in Savannah over the holidays, you need the help of a car accident chiropractor to help return you to health.
The chiropractors at the Arrowhead Clinic in Savannah have served their community for over 40 years, and they are prepared to help you after your accident.
If you're ready to set up a Free Consultation with the Arrowhead Clinic in Savannah, click the button below.
