Christmas may be a time of joy, but it’s also the most dangerous time for traffic accidents, according to the National Safety Council. The risk of car accidents is higher during this holiday season as people are in a celebratory mood and drink alcohol.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, an average of 300 people have died in car crashes each Christmas or New Year’s over the past five years.
With these numbers in mind, our Pembroke Pines car accident doctors share some tips to increase awareness and possibly prevent you from being part of one of these accidents
Statistics:
1. Follow the “no drunk driving” policy.
The holidays are no excuse to drink and drive. When you are on the road, you are not only responsible for your own safety, but also for the safety of your family, the people in your vehicle, and those traveling with you. If the police catch you, you could still be held responsible for driving under the influence (DUI), and even though it’s Christmas, you’re not exempt from liability.
If you know you’re likely to drink at a Christmas party, it’s best to ditch the car and take public transport. You can also designate a companion as the designated driver, as long as that person is not an alcoholic.
2. Be careful on the road.
Understandably, this will be a busy time as you coordinate party schedules or plan gift shopping with friends or family. However, if you are the driver, please do not answer calls or respond to messages until you have safely exited the vehicle.
Our Pembroke Pines car accident doctors often need to treat patients who have been injured by distracted driving. You must give all your attention while driving, especially on busy roads, to avoid crashing, destroying property, or injuring others.
3. Stay calm during this stressful season.
The holidays can be stressful, and for some, this can mean a loss of control over road rage or aggressive driving. If you’re feeling stressed, it might be best to pull over and count to ten or listen to soothing music until you’re ready to drive in a controlled manner again.
4. Always aim to get enough sleep.
Since you have to participate in different activities, you still need to make sure you get enough sleep before driving. Lack of sleep can also put a huge amount of physical and mental stress on you this Christmas and you won’t be able to stay alert and focused on the road.
If you or any of your loved ones are involved in a car accident, it is important to see a doctor immediately. Our Pembroke Pines car accident doctor always tells his patients that even a minor car accident may cause some injuries that you are not aware of and could become serious in the long run.
Our compassionate and professional team will care for you and make sure you get the help you need. Please contact us today to arrange an appointment.
For your convenience, we have three convenient locations in Aventura, Hollywood, and Pembroke Pines. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us.
The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute the provision of medical advice and does not substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your health, always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider.
