Thousands of residents and visitors will be traveling through Phoenix for the Christmas and New Year holidays. With this significant increase in road traffic, motorists are faced with significant increases in their risks for a car accident in Phoenix and elsewhere. For this reason, the Arizona Highway Patrol Association offers drivers a few safe driving tips to help prevent a fatal car accident during the holidays. Every year, these holiday periods produce some of the highest fatality rates on roadways across the United States. With cautious and alert driving habits, we can help to reduce the risks altogether.Before we discuss how to avoid an accident, our Phoenix car accident lawyers would like to discuss the risks we’ll be faced with over the holiday travel season. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the Christmas and New Year’s holidays are some of the most deadliest times on our roadways. According to a recent release, the NSC has concluded its predictions regarding the number of fatalities and injured that we’ll see on our roadways during this holiday time.
Christmas Holiday Fatality Estimates:
-The Christmas holiday is considered the time from 6 p.m. on December 23rd through the late evening of Monday, December 26th.
-287 fatalities are predicted to occur during this time.
-Another 28,700 injuries in which professional medical assistance is required are predicted to occur.
-Seat belts may save approximately 102 people.
-If all motorists were to wear a seat belt during this holiday period, then another 73 people could be saved in car accidents.
New Year’s Holiday Fatality Estimates:
-The New Year’s holiday is considered the time from 6 p.m. on the evening of December 30th through the late evening of January 2nd.
-297 fatalities are predicted to occur during this time.
-Another 29,700 injuries in which professional medical assistance is required are predicted to occur.
-Seat belts may save approximately 106 people.
-If all motorists were to wear a seat belt during this holiday period, then another 76 people could be saved in car accidents.
Safe Driving Tips from the Arizona Highway Patrol Association:
-Never drive after drinking. Always have a designated driver. Don’t let your friends drink and drive either. Intervene. Your consideration may help to save a life.
-Make sure that everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seat belt at all times. Seat belts have been proven effective in saving lives.
-Obey all road laws. They’re there to keep you safe.
-Drive slower in bad weather. It’s important to adjust your driving habits to accommodate weather conditions.
-Curb all distractions while driving.
-Go out with a plan. Be aware of road closures, etc., before heading out.
-Leave with plenty of time to avoid rushing and aggressive driving.
-Avoid traveling during rush hours to avoid congested and dangerous roadways.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a traffic crash in Phoenix, call the Arizona accident attorneys at Abels & Annes for a free, no obligation consultation. Contact us online or call 866-99-ABELS to speak directly to a lawyer today.
More Blog Entries:
Officers Increase Enforcement to Help Curb Drunk Driving Accidents in Phoenix, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, December 18, 2011
NHTSA Released New Reports Regarding 2010 Car Accidents in Arizona, Nation, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, December 11, 2011