Safety Tips: New Year’s Travel Increases Risk of Accidents in Alabama

Dec 23, 2011 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), more than 285 people will die over the Christmas Day holiday period. This long holiday weekend is considered by officials to be the time from the evening of December 23rd to the end of December 26th. During this time, the NSC also estimates that approximately 28,700 people will be injured in car accidents in Tuscaloosa and elsewhere.

New Year’s will be just as dangerous.

Our Birmingham car accident attorneys understand that the holiday season serves as a common backdrop for fatal car accidents across the country. This year, there are roughly 92 million Americans who will be traveling farther than 50 miles from home for holiday destinations. This is a near 2 percent increase in the number of travelers from 2010. The increase in traffic increases motorists’ chances for a severe car accident. Please drive safely and cautiously to ring in the New Year injury and accident free.

In 2009, there were nearly 250 people who died in car accidents during the Christmas holiday, compared to the near 410 that died in 2008. The NSC recommends that all motorists wear a seat belt when traveling over the Christmas holidays.

And the dangers on our roadways don’t stop with Christmas. Motorists also face extremely high risks of being in a motor vehicle accident during the New Year’s holiday period as well. According to the NSC, there will be roughly 300 traffic accident fatalities during this year’s holiday period. The New Year’s holiday period is considered as the time from the evening of December 30th through the late evening of January 2nd. During this time another 29,700 people are expected to seek medical attention from injuries sustained in car accidents.
In 2009, there were nearly 460 people who died in car accidents during the New Year’s holiday, compared to the near 410 that died in 2008.

To help reduce the risks of fatal car accidents over the upcoming holidays, the Alabama State Troopers offer drivers a few safe driving tips:

-Drivers should avoid being on our roadways when the streets are snowy or icy.

-Perform a routine checkup on your vehicle before heading out. You’re urged to check on the windshield washer fluid to make sure it’s okay to use in freezing weather conditions, check the level of your antifreeze and make sure you always keep your gas tank at least half full.

-Weather conditions can change in the blink of an eye. Your driving skills should be able to change accordingly, too. Always adjust your driving habits to accommodate the current weather conditions.
-When weather conditions worsen, turn on your headlights, keep your windshield wipers on and avoid tailgating.

-Remember that ice formation on the roadway is more likely to occur on bridges and on overpasses. Be cautious of black ice in these areas.

-Always keep emergency items in your vehicle, including a cell phone, bottled water and non-perishable food items.

-If you need assistance on the road or would like to report a dangerous driver, contact state troopers at *HP (*47).

“This is an exciting time of year, and we want you to really enjoy the holidays with your loved ones, but please make highway safety a priority,” said Col. Hugh B. McCall, director of the Alabama Department of Public Safety.

More Blog Entries:

Tuscaloosa Nursing Home Abuse: Do your Part During Holiday Visits, Alabama Injury Attorneys Blog, December 5, 2011

Birmingham Car Accidents: Holiday a Good Time to Discuss Safe Driving with Elderly Family Members, Alabama Injury Attorneys Blog, November 28, 2011