The odds of being involved in a holiday auto accident increase significantly this time of year. According to a study conducted by NHTSA’s Fatality and Injury Reporting System (FARS), in December alone, about 28% of fatal crashes involve drunk drivers. Furthermore, the highest rate of alcohol-related accidents occurs on New Year’s Eve. So, to help keep you and your family safe, we’ve put together some holiday driving tips that may be helpful.
Since driving is a popular way to visit friends and relatives during the holidays, the likelihood of being hit by a drunk driver is high. NHTSA reports that an estimated 25,000 injuries happened due to alcohol-related vehicle crashes last year between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve.
More than 91 million people drive to their holiday events between December 23rd and January 1st. How many of those drivers have been drinking before getting behind the wheel? You certainly don’t want to become one of their victims.
Keep Your Family Safe With These Holiday Driving Tips
Because of this uptick in alcohol consumption during the holidays, more people are on the roads driving while intoxicated. So, what can you do to protect your family and yourself from harm? Here are 5 holiday driving tips that may help keep you safe on the busy highways this time of year:
#1. Don’t drive late at night. Driving after midnight can be dangerous for several reasons. Mainly, this time of night is prime time for drinkers to be out driving after the bars close. Consider stopping at a hotel or rest area for the night if you don’t want to put your family at risk.
#2. Get enough sleep. Defensive driving is essential at any time of year. You need to be alert behind the wheel, so make sure you are well rested first.
#3. Be sure to buckle up. You never know what you might encounter while on the road, so make sure you and all passengers are buckled up throughout the trip.
#4. Get your car checked out. Before getting on the highway, have your car checked by a professional. Being stranded on the side of the road can be extremely dangerous. A drunk driver may not see you soon enough to avoid a collision.
#5. Plan ahead for a sober driver. If you’re planning to attend an event that promotes alcohol, you may be tempted to take a drink or two. So, designate a sober person to drive you home afterward.
The holidays are all about enjoying time with friends and family. You want to know you can protect your family during the festivities. Use these safe holiday driving tips to help you get from one event to another without becoming involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver.
Make Sure Your Auto Insurance Policy Provides Adequate Protection
Holiday auto accidents caused by drunk driving are inexcusable and 100% preventable. While you plan to exercise safe holiday driving, others may not be so considerate. Before planning your holiday travels, be sure to review your automobile insurance policy. You want to ensure that you are adequately protected in the event of an accident.
You may be surprised to learn that many drunk drivers are uninsured. In the event of an accident caused by an uninsured drunk driver, your insurance policy may cover your expenses. Most states require drivers to carry uninsured motorist insurance. It pays if you are injured or your property is damaged by an uninsured driver. For example:
- Bodily Injury Coverage – Covers you and your passengers for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
- Property Damage Coverage – Protects your vehicle if it is damaged by someone who doesn’t have insurance or enough insurance. In most states, the coverage is automatically included for each vehicle insured on the policy.
If you live in a state where uninsured motorist coverage is optional, you may want to consider adding it before taking a road trip during the holidays.
Talk to Sandifer Insurance Agency for Your Auto Insurance Needs
Whether you have an existing policy or need to obtain automobile insurance, Sandifer Insurance Agency can help. Our skilled agents will be happy to recommend a policy that meets your needs at an affordable price.
Driving during the holidays can be stressful enough without worrying about the financial aspects of an accident. Sandifer Insurance is here to make sure you can drive with peace of mind knowing you are adequately covered.
As a family-owned, local agency, Sandifer has spent over 40 years helping customers protect their homes, vehicles, families, farms, and businesses. We work with some of the nation’s top insurance companies to help you get reputable, reliable coverage for all your insurance needs.
If you have questions about insurance, reach out to us by phone, email, or online. You will receive a response from one of our representatives as soon as possible.