Anyone who has attempted to travel over the vacation period knows how chaotic the process can be. But did you know that during the holiday season, the number of long-distance journeys to locations more than 50 miles away rises by 23%?  While airline delays caused by bad weather or overcapacity get a lot of attention, a large portion of holiday travel is carried out by personal vehicles, such as automobiles, with roughly 91 percent share, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). Contact an Augusta personal injury lawyer if you are injured on your holiday trip.

Traveling safety: Tips for avoiding personal injuries while on vacation

There are several dangers related to vacation travel, particularly by vehicle.  Before traveling during the Christmas season, keep in mind about expected major dangers, including:

• Weather conditions

Precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, etc.) levels are often higher in the winter.  You are considerably more likely to see rain around the month of December than at other times of the year. During the holiday season, be cautious to check the weather forecast before getting behind the steering wheel.

• Traffic

The probability of accidents doubles with the number of vehicles on the road.  Roads are more congested around the holidays, so drive cautiously and remain alert to other cars.

• Speeding

Over thirty percent of fatal accidents involve speeding, and people are likelier to do so during times of high stress, such as holidays.

• Driving while intoxicated (DUI)

Holiday parties are associated with the holiday season, and these occasions often involve the consumption of alcohol (as well as other intoxicating drinks).  Although driving under the influence is against the law, many people do so regardless because they are ignorant of or violate the law.

Here are some ideas to help you drive safely if you are traveling over the holidays:

• • Drive safely. Pay extra attention to any potential impaired drivers.
  • Have a phone handy in case you need to contact me for assistance.
  • Always buckle up in a car. Using seatbelts has been repeatedly shown to decrease or eliminate injuries to drivers and passengers.
  • Ensure that your vehicle has facilities for long-distance driving. Ensure you carry a safety and basic repair kit, and check the brakes, batteries, and tire tread.

• Call 911 right away if you are in a holiday accident. Even relatively minor injuries could turn into serious wounds that are devastating.  In order to safeguard your rights, you must move quickly and actively.

Obdulia Ross