The holidays are a time of joy and cheer. You may look forward to spending time with your loved ones, unwinding from the year and having fun.
While you should enjoy yourself, it is important to exercise caution during the holidays. Driving can be hazardous this time of year because of increased traffic. HelpAdvisor recently found that Texas is the fifth most dangerous state when it comes to fatal accidents during Christmas and New Year’s. With this in mind, there are some things you can do to ensure a safe holiday season.
Stay focused
It might be tempting to reach for your phone and get the perfect picture of holiday decorations, but it is important to stay focused on the road. In 2019, the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration did a study on distracted driving, finding that about 920,000 accidents happen each year because of it. Also, because there tends to be more road activity during the holidays, you should be extra careful.
Drive sober
Alcohol slows down reflexes and decreases coordination, which can lead to injury or death on the road. HelpAdvisor found that drunk driving causes more holiday accidents in Texas than in any other state. Even if you do not plan on drinking, you might find yourself in a situation where alcohol is being served. Be prepared by keeping a non-alcoholic beverage handy for those who overindulge.
Part of the reason people enjoy the winter holidays is because they feel that they can put their worries on the backburner. While this is okay in some areas, it does not apply to the road. You should make the best out of the holidays, and driving safely helps with this.