The holidays are among some of the most active times for South Carolina auto accidents for multiple reasons. For one thing, the weather is often less than ideal for safe driving. For another, there are a lot more people on the road, visiting family, going to parties, and getting their last minute shopping done. If you’re like most drivers, you can get exhausted from all of the traffic and various tasks that you have to complete during the holidays, and this exhaustion is yet another contributor to auto accidents at this time of year. Fortunately, there is much that you can do to avoid getting into a South Carolina auto accident yourself during the holidays, and if someone else causes such an accident, you have a right to pursue compensation for your injuries, lost income, and other damages.
How Can You and Your Family Stay Safe on South Carolina Roads?
It is important to talk to your family about traffic safety throughout the year and especially during the holidays. This is particularly wise when it comes to less experienced drivers, like your children. You and your family can follow these tips to stay out of auto accidents this holiday season.
Plan Ahead for Weather and the Possibility of a Breakdown on the Road
Planning ahead can be one of the most effective tools for preventing an auto accident. You should be aware of what the weather is expected to be like, whether there’s going to be ice or snow or any high winds. If you’re traveling some distance away, between towns or between states, look up the weather in the area of your destination and the towns or states in between. Further, if you’re traveling for more than a day, you should plan ahead to take breaks and find a comfortable bed for the night. You can also stay on top of the traffic forecasts, wherever you may travel, so you know what to expect.
Beyond planning for weather and traffic, you should also prepare for worst case scenarios, such as the possibility of breaking down on the road. You can do this by making sure that your vehicle has its own safety kit, and do the same for the vehicles of your family. The kit can include things like tools, bottled water, a flashlight, etc. You can even throw in a blanket and an extra cell phone charger. Should you find yourself stranded, you’ll be glad that you prepared for such an event.
Don’t Drive When You’re Exhausted or Fatigued
The holiday season is stressful and exhausting for everyone. You have events to attend, big meals to eat, and far more shopping to do than you normally would. Then, you have the challenge of shorter days and earlier nights, which can add to the fatigue that many drivers suffer from during the holidays.
This is also a time when you really have to be extra alert because of all of the other traffic, the potential of other drivers to be just as exhausted or even short tempered, and the likelihood of drivers on the road who have been drinking or are otherwise impaired. If you have long distances to travel, then you are that much more at risk for a serious auto accident.
Keep all of this in mind and make sure that you aren’t too tired to drive. Take breaks when traveling long distances, plan to stop at a motel if necessary, and don’t drink and drive. It is better to get some rest than to put yourself and others at risk of a South Carolina auto accident caused by exhaustion or fatigue.
Designate a Sober Driver After Holiday Events with Drinking
‘Tis the season to be merry, and many people are hosting or attending events with family, friends, and coworkers that will involve alcohol. This is an extremely popular time for drinking and having fun, which makes it that much more risky for driving. The frequency of auto accidents involving alcohol increases tremendously during the holidays, especially around Thanksgiving and New Year’s. If you plan to enjoy yourself with the benefit of alcoholic drinks then designate a sober driver, so that you don’t become another statistic. If you end up in an accident with an intoxicated driver, then you can seek compensation for your damages in a South Carolina auto accident claim. Don’t forget to make an emergency phone call to 911 in case you need help.
When to Contact a South Carolina Auto Accident Attorney
Sometimes, no matter what you do to keep yourself and others safe, auto accidents occur anyway. If you’ve been in an accident in SC because of another driver’s negligence, then you are entitled to compensation for your injuries, your lost wages, your property damage, and other losses. This is when you will benefit from the guidance and representation of a South Carolina auto accident attorney. Contact David R. Price, Jr., P.A. for a free consultation of your accident claim.
David Price is a Personal Injury, Civil Litigation, Collections, and Criminal Defense Attorney who practices in Greenville, SC. He graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law, and has been practicing law for 12 years. David Price believes in helping those who have been injured. Learn more about his experience by clicking here.
