The holiday season is a time for celebration, with friends and families gathering together for parties, gift exchanges, and other joyous traditions. But that festive cheer can change in an instant when a catastrophic event occurs.
During the holidays, dangers on the road increase significantly, particularly due to drunk driving. In fact, there is unfortunately a spike in drunk driving accidents this time of year.
Most holiday parties include a large selection of alcoholic beverages, with alcohol often being central to socializing during the holidays. Many people overestimate their ability to drive and get behind the wheel after a party when they should have stayed put or called a rideshare service.
While driving under the influence is the most common holiday hazard on the roadways, it’s not the only one. Our team of personal injury attorneys has compiled some holiday driving safety tips to help you lower your risk of a crash and any potentially serious injuries.
Holiday Driving Safety Tips to Prevent Crashes
Don’t Be a Statistic – Drive Sober
This holiday season, make a commitment to drive responsibly to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road. Plan ahead by arranging a rideshare, like Uber or Lyft, assigning a designated driver, or using alternative transportation options to avoid putting yourself and others at risk on the road.
Unfortunately, sometimes there is no way to avoid a drunk driver who is driving too fast, swerving all over the road, or driving with no headlights at night after leaving a party. No matter how safely or defensively you drive, others may not make the same safe choices you did, leaving you without enough time to react and avoid their dangerous driving.
Note: Legal Consequences of Driving Under the Influence
The most common charge is driving under the influence (DUI). Individuals may face additional charges depending on the nature of the incident. Penalties for DUI offenses vary by state, but they may include significant fines, mandatory alcohol education programs, probation, and, in many cases, a suspended license.
In cases where a drunk driver causes a crash that results in serious injuries or fatalities, the penalties can be much more severe. The responsible party may face charges such as vehicular manslaughter, aggravated DUI, or felony DUI.
Consider Harsh Weather Conditions
Illinois winters can be harsh, with freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and potential ice storms. Unpredictable weather changes can make roads slippery or cause conditions to change quickly. Even light snow or ice can dramatically increase stopping distances and reduce traction.
Before heading out this holiday season, perform a few key maintenance checks to ensure you can hit the road safely:
- Check tire tread and pressure
- Top off windshield wiper fluid
- Replace worn wiper blades
- Test your battery
- Ensure your defroster and heater work properly
- Pack an emergency kit with blankets, water, and a flashlight in your vehicle
Plan Ahead and Pack Your Patience
Holiday congestion is inevitable. Whether you’re heading out for dinner with loved ones, shopping for gifts, or making a long road trip to visit family, traffic will be slower, you can count on Illinois roadways to be more crowded.
You can lower the risk of a crash by:
- Allowing extra travel time so you don’t feel rushed
- Avoid traveling in peak traffic times if you can (late afternoons, evenings, or holiday weekends)
- Checking traffic updates before leaving
- Mapping alternate routes in case of backups or closures
Don’t Drive Distracted
No matter the season, avoid any distractions while you’re behind the wheel. As we stated above, holiday traffic becomes heavier during the holidays, as more people hit the roads. Put down your phone, set your music or radio and GPS before leaving, and save eating for when you make a stop. Focus on the road for your safety and others.
When Holiday Joy Turns into a Hardship – Spiros Law is Here When You Need Us Most.
At Spiros Law, ensuring our community’s safety is our top priority. Joy shouldn’t be replaced by stress and uncertainty, so enjoy holiday cheer, make wise choices, and be aware of the holiday traveling hazards.
Whether your holidays were affected by others’ irresponsible actions or by harsh weather, our team is here to help you navigate the complex legal process. Plus, we’re highly skilled in handling the insurance company on your behalf, so the only thing you’ll have to think about is recovering.
Drunk driving carries serious legal consequences, especially during the holiday season when the incidence of impaired driving increases. If you’ve been seriously injured in an auto collision or hit by a drunk driver near Danville, Champaign, or Kankakee, contact Spiros Law for the legal counsel and representation you deserve.
