(512) 883-0277 
Millions of Americans are preparing to travel to visit friends and family to celebrate the winter holidays over the next couple of months, and the majority of those travelers will be driving.
Unfortunately, increased traffic over peak holidays statistically leads to more vehicle collisions in Texas and across the U.S., many of which are caused by distracted driving.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, each day throughout the country, eight people are killed in traffic crashes reported to involve a distracted driver. When travel volume increases over the holidays, so will injuries and fatalities caused by this reckless and negligent behavior.
Our Austin personal injury attorneys know that everyone is a little more rushed over the holidays, and are offering a few tips on how to keep you and your family safe while traveling.
Why Are Drivers More Distracted During the Holidays?
While it is true that vehicle collisions increase over the holidays due to more traffic on our roadways, it is also true that distracted driving significantly impacts the rate at which they occur.
Holidays are stressful times, as drivers become rushed to finish work, shopping, and other errands before hosting or traveling to be with friends and relatives.
As holidays demands increase, so do the distractions, which can take drivers’ eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and minds away from the task of driving, including:
- Longer car rides with more passenger disruptions
- Anxiety about reuniting with family
- GPS use
- Alcohol and drug use
- Higher social media use
- Increased communication with family and friends conveying updates, delays, and holiday greetings
We understand the holidays are both joyous and stressful, but they can also be safe by following a few travel tips.
Texas Holiday Travel Safety Tips
One of the best ways to enjoy the winter holidays in Texas is to arrive at your destination safely.
To do so:
- Check your vehicle fluid levels, battery, and tire pressure, and fill up your gas tank before starting your trip
- Always wear your seat belt and ensure passengers are also buckled up
- Assign a navigator to handle any GPS device or road map or program your destination into the device before driving off if you are traveling alone
- Plan and outline your route by checking for road construction, closures, and potentially severe weather forecasts for your current location and destination, so there are no surprises
- Refrain from talking on the phone or texting while driving
- Leave plenty of space between other cars on the road and avoid sudden stops
- Pad extra driving time into your travel plans and never speed to make up lost time
- Be prepared for an emergency, including a vehicle collision, breakdown, flat tire, or medical issue by keeping supplies like food, water, phone charger, flashlight, and a blanket in the vehicle
- When driving long distances, take a short break to revive your energy and focus, and split up driving responsibilities with others in the vehicle if possible
- Remain aware of what other drivers around you are doing and keep an eye out for distracted drivers
- Plan ahead and designate a sober driver, or use public transportation, a taxi, or rideshare service
No matter how carefully we follow the rules of the road, it is impossible to control how other drivers operate their vehicles.
If someone else’s distracted driving causes a life-changing car accident, you need to protect yourself and your family. We can help.
Contact Our Skilled Personal Injury Attorneys in Austin at Glen Larson Law Injury Attorneys Today
If you have been hurt in a car accident caused by negligence in Texas, call our skilled Austin personal injury attorneys at Glen Larson Law Injury Attorneys at (512) 883-0277 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with our bilingual staff who is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure your legal rights are protected.
Our legal team pursues dedicated, driven results for our clients. There is never a charge to talk to an attorney. We stand ready to help you. Call (512) 883-0277 today.
