The major holiday season is just around the corner with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year coming up. As family and friends gather to celebrate, holiday cheer will surely be flowing. There are events to attend, dinners to prepare, and gifts to be bought! Unfortunately, accidents never take a holiday. In fact, during the holidays there is an increase in car collisions and slip and fall incidents.
Increase in Car Accidents
During the holidays, the roads can become quite. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, fatal car crashes increase by 29.8% throughout the holiday season.
Why Do Car Accidents Increase During the Holidays?
There are many factors that lead to such a drastic increase in fatal car crashes during the holiday season. Below are some of the leading causes.
- Increased traffic congestion
The roads become heavily congested during the holidays. With so many drivers, accidents are more likely.
- Distracted driving
The roads tend to be filled with distracted drivers who are more focused on their plans to celebrate rather than arriving there safely. Distracted drivers are not aware of their surroundings and other drivers on the road, which can result in car collisions.
- Impaired drivers
Holidays and celebrations go hand in hand. As friends and family gather to celebrate, some people may decide to consume alcohol or drugs. Accidents occur when these individuals make the poor decision to get behind the wheel, and drive under the influence.
- Fatigued drivers
The holidays are a busy time of year, and many people find themselves sacrificing sleep in order to keep up. Driving while fatigued can cause a driver to not be alert and even fall asleep behind the wheel.
- Visiting drivers
It is always exciting to go out of town for the holidays and visit a new city. Drivers who are visiting are unfamiliar with the area and have an increased chance of getting in a car accident.
- Weather condition
Throughout the holiday season, many regions of the United States experience serious weather conditions such as storms, snow, and black ice. These are dangerous weather conditions for drivers and can cause fatal car accidents.
If you have been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence or reckless behavior, call Greenberg Ramón-Alonso & Urbano. Our personal injury team will negotiate aggressively and strategically for you. For a free consultation, call (305) 595-2400.
Increase in Slip and Fall Incidents
What would the holiday season be without a festive feast and gift shopping? Actually, a lot safer than most would think. The activities that define the holidays pose hazards and can result in a higher chance of being injured from a slip and fall incident.
Why Do Slip and Fall Incidents Increase During the Holidays?
There are many factors that lead to a rise in slip and fall incidents during the holiday season. Listed below are some of the leading causes.
- Holiday decorating
According to a study conducted by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there is an average of 5,822 injuries each holiday season due to decorating. If you are using a ladder, it is important to have someone else there to keep it steady.
- Holiday shopping
During the holidays, grocery stores, shopping malls, and retail outlets become overflown with shoppers. Increased pedestrian traffic can result in items being spilled or left in aisles, obstructing the walkway. These hazards may not be brought to the attention of employees until someone has already fallen.
- Winter weather
The winter season can bring rain, snow, and ice. These harsh conditions along with the prolonged darkness winter brings can lead to slip and fall incidents occurring on sidewalks and parking lots.
If you have suffered a slip and fall injury on someone else’s property due to their negligence of keeping the premise safe, call Greenberg Ramón-Alonso & Urbano. Our experienced personal injury team will fight to obtain the compensation you deserve. For a free consultation, call (305) 595-2400.
Sources:
- https://golatinos.net/florida-road-deaths-spike-29-8-during-holidays/
- https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5348a1.htm
