A car accident lawyer in Tampa, FL, explains what drivers need to know to stay safe During the Holidays.
Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day can be a festive time in Florida. But, unfortunately, it’s also the deadliest driving season of the year, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). That’s why the FLHSMV and the Florida Highway Patrol recently launched the Safe Holiday Travel campaign.
“Florida continues to be a top holiday destination for visitors and residents, making our roads some of the busiest during the upcoming months,” FLHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes said in an interview with Patch.com. “As you prepare to hit the road ... make sure you and your vehicle are ready for the trip.”
News about serious car accidents during the holidays in Florida sadly comes as no surprise to our personal injury law firm. That’s because the legal team at Armando Personal Injury Law has been fighting for the rights of injury victims and their families for years and has seen firsthand how serious and fatal crashes tend to increase during the holidays.
How common are holiday car accidents in Florida?
Some of the deadliest days of the year in terms of car accidents in Florida occur during the holiday season, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, including Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
The Thanksgiving holiday, in particular, is the deadliest holiday season regarding fatal car accidents in Florida, according to the FLHSMV. On average, 482 people die in motor vehicle accidents in Florida during Thanksgiving.
Christmas is the fifth deadliest holiday of the year in Florida. On average, 327 people die each year in Florida car accidents during Christmas, according to car accident data collected by the FLHSMV.
Why do holiday car accidents happen?
Three contributing factors often cause car accidents around the holidays in Florida. These include:
- Speeding drivers, who cause 139 deaths on average each year during the holidays.
- Drivers under the influence of alcohol, who cause 164 deaths each year during the holidays.
- Young inexperienced drivers, who cause 66 deaths each year on average.
Steps to take to avoid an accident
So, what can drivers do to avoid causing an accident during the holidays? Officials from the FLHSMV and Florida Highway Patrol have several suggestions:
- Don’t drink and drive. If you are impaired and don’t have a sober driver in your group, call for a ride or figure out another safe way to get home.
- Check your tires before hitting the road this holiday season. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have enough tire tread.
- Always wear your seatbelt. Research has shown that you can reduce your chances of being involved in a fatal car accident by 50% just by fastening your seatbelt. In fatal crashes, more than 75% of those who are ejected from the vehicle die due to their injuries. Likewise, only 1% of passengers who were buckled up during a collision were ejected from the vehicle.
- Always obey the posted speed limit. The faster your driver, the more increased stopping distance you need. Speeding also increases injury severity in the event of a crash and makes it more likely that you will lose control of your vehicle.
- Make sure someone you trust has your contact information in case you’re involved in a collision.
How can a Tampa car accident attorney help?
Having an experienced lawyer on your side can make a big difference if you or a loved one has been injured in a Florida car accident. Even if another driver clearly caused your collision, don’t simply assume that you will be fairly compensated for your injury-related expenses. The at-fault driver’s insurance company will likely do everything it can to pay you as little as possible or nothing at all, which is why you need a car accident lawyer in your corner to protect your rights and help you maximize your compensation.
At Armando Personal Injury Law, we know how to investigate complex legal cases and can demand the money you rightfully deserve for your injury-related expenses.
Learn more about your legal rights. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation. Our office is conveniently located on East 5th Avenue in Tampa, and we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you only have to pay us if we secure a financial settlement or verdict for you.