New Year’s Eve is a busy holiday for many in the greater Phoenix area who choose to celebrate the end of one year and the start of another. Today, many across the Valley of the Sun are preparing to spend time with family and friends tonight and will be taking to the roads later today. Though school is not in session for many kids and though many people may have the day off work, the roads in Phoenix are likely to see a heavy traffic load through the morning hours of New Year’s Day.
With increased traffic comes an increased chance of a car accident, and on New Year’s Eve, odds are that some of those drivers will be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. During a normal year, this combination of increased traffic and impaired operators can turn fatal in the blink of an eye. This year, the conditions are worse as the Valley is preparing for rain throughout the night and as northern areas prepare for snow.
Inclement weather is a contributing factor in millions of car accidents across the country ever year. The normally dry and consistent weather in Phoenix means that, outside of monsoon season, Phoenix does not have as many weather-related accidents as some other large cities. Yet weather still strikes in the Valley and can contribute to collisions that result in injuries, damages, or even death. Contrary to popular belief, weather is rarely the sole cause of a crash, though, and in most cases, weather combines with some form of driver conduct to cause an accident. Whether it is speeding, aggressive driving, or failing to stop at a stop sign or red light, the actions of a motorist generally play a role in a traffic incident.
The personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. wish you a safe and happy New Year. To increase safety, we recommend the following actions be on your mind before you take to the roads tonight:
– Never drink and drive: Drunk driving accidents happen every New Year’s Eve and often, they involve innocent victims who happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you will be celebrating tonight and your celebration involves alcohol, do not drive. It is not only a violation of Arizona law to drive while drunk but it is a threat to the safety of all those on the road. Instead, use a designated driver, take a taxi cab, or consider staying in one place so you do not need to get behind the wheel.
– Slow down: Nearly half of all accidents in the country involve speeding, according to several national studies. Speeding is a common activity among a large number of drivers but that does not make it acceptable. Slow down, pay attention to traffic conditions, and watch for others who are traveling too fast for conditions.
– Increase following distance: With rain anticipated tonight, the roads may be slippery and it may take additional time to slow or stop your car. Be prepared for this and respond appropriately by increasing the distance between your vehicle and those in front of you to insure you have adequate time to stop if needed.
– Drive defensively: No one wants to believe they will be the victims of an accident but even the safest driver can be hurt by the conduct of another. Tonight, look for aggressive drivers or motorists who do not stay in their own lanes. Be prepared for drivers who may fail to yield the right-of-way. It is always best to prevent an accident from occurring so be careful if you are driving tonight.
If you become the victim of a car accident and you are injured, the attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. want you to know that you have rights and that you may be entitled to financial compensation. We offer a free case consultation to those who call us toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191 and we are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help you.
When an accident strikes, make sure you are protected. Call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us fight for the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Fatal Crash Caused by Suspect Running Stop Sign, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published December 30, 2014.
Resource:
Storm ushers out 2014 with rain, snow across Arizona, by Katie Baker, CBS5AZ.com, published December 31, 2014.