Traffic and car accident fatalities have both been on the rise over the past year, which correlates to the 3.5% increase in the number of miles driven. With the holiday season upon us and the reduced price of gasoline, more people are driving to distant locations to see family and friends which can translate into more car accidents. To make matters worse, there has also been a disproportionately large increase in the number of young drivers over the past several years, a group with the least amount of driving experience who are at the highest risk of traffic fatalities.
With Thanksgiving holiday travel underway, motorists should exercise extra caution, especially knowing that many drivers may be traveling along unfamiliar roads to get to their destinations. To minimize your risk, experts encourage drivers to limit holiday travel. However, for those intent on making the most out of the long weekend, some defensive driving tips can go a long way:
First and foremost, buckle up. A third of all traffic fatalities can be traced to unbuckled motorists. Other high risk behaviors such as drinking and driving and also speeding account for the majority of all other fatal crashes, so find a designated driver if needed and slow down. Finally, avoid distracted driving by tucking the smart phone away while driving. If google maps or other GPS assistance is needed to get to your holiday destination, let your passenger be the navigator so you can keep your eyes on the road.
Injured By Negligent Driving During Holiday Travel?
Contact an Iowa Car Accident Attorney for Help at (563) 355-6478
McDonald & Woodward, P.C., based in Davenport Iowa, has been active in the Quad Cities legal community for over 70 years. Our lawyers, with a combined 90 years of Iowa and Illinois legal expertise, are respected members of the bar and are members of numerous professional organizations, including the Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers, American Bar Association, Iowa and Illinois State Bar Associations, the Iowa Defense Counsel Association, Iowa and American Association of Justice and the Defense Research Institute. We welcome your inquiries and we look forward to our continued service to the community.