With the holidays coming up, expect a lot more people to be out and about, rushing to the stores to do some last-minute shopping, to the airport to catch a flight, to the stations to catch a bus or train, and to the highways to drive back home. It will be crazy and frantic as people try to get to their destinations as fast as they can while competing for space with other folks doing the same thing. Everyone’s stressed and tempers are running high.
Aside from that, the aftermath of holidays is no better. Yes, the stress may have gone down a bit because people aren’t trying to beat the clock anymore, but the festive mood of the holidays also come with its own risk. People who have had too much to drink are on the road, driving when they have no business to be. And even without alcohol, things can get a little bit too rowdy in places where a crowd of people are partying.
It’s not a surprise why more accidents occur during the holidays. The tension is too high leading up to the season, and the attitude is too carefree following it. Nevertheless, you can still stay safe while having fun. It’s a matter of compromise, and also of taking heed of the following tips:
Find alternatives for getting home
Drinking and driving is bad, but just drinking is not. Fortunately, you can both enjoy your drinks and reach home in one piece by having a contingency plan in case you’re too buzzed to drive. You can ask a friend to be a designated driver (just return the favor next time, of course). You can also book a room at a nearby hotel or AirBnB if you plan to party into the night. If you really prefer to sleep in your own bed instead no matter what, hail a cab the old-fashioned way, or get a ride via Uber or Lyft.
Hide packages away from sight in your car
Criminals are also on the prowl during the holidays because they know people have more money to spend this time of the year. Thus, crime rates increase, especially for robbery and theft. To avoid becoming a victim when you’re out shopping, see to it that packages in your car are not visible from the outside. Tuck them under the seat or store them in the trunk. Otherwise, you risk your car being broken into when criminals see an opportunity or two to steal.
Keep your car in tiptop shape
Planning a long drive home? Don’t venture out of the garage without checking that everything is in order – no worn tires, no malfunctioning brakes, no broken lights, just to name a few. As tempting as it is to put off getting replacements in favor of buying gifts, it’s not worth endangering your family and yourself. Not being around the next holiday season because of a preventable accident in the previous one is something you don’t want to happen, ever. So if you’ll be on the road, make sure your vehicle is ready for the journey.
Call your personal injury lawyer
Staying safe is a two-way street. You can be as cautious as you can be, but if other people are not, accidents can still happen. If you do get into an accident, get medical help immediately, then call a lawyer to see if you have a solid case as a personal injury victim. You may be able to get a payout to pay for your medical bills (and repair bills, if the accident is vehicular) if your lawyer can prove that it isn’t your fault.
Remember, safety comes first whatever the occasion!
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