Most Wisconsin readers probably will not be surprised to learn that the period leading up to Christmas isn’t the safest time to be on the road. If it seems like car accidents and aggressive driving are everywhere, statistics do seem to support that theory. A study that analyzed 10 years’ worth of crash data in Alabama showed that the six-day period prior to Christmas has 18 percent more accidents than Thanksgiving weekend and is 27 percent higher on the accident scale than New Year’s Eve.
Nearly a third of driver’s surveyed said they do become more aggressive drivers during the holiday period. It seems to be a combination of the pressure to find a gift and perhaps having to drive all over to find it. The distraction takes their minds off the road, and pretty soon there’s a rear-ending or a missed traffic light.
Excessive speed is one of the more common types of aggressive driving. Some experts suggest that law enforcement consider aggressive driving enforcement instead of anti-speeding campaigns because the public doesn’t object to the enforcement of aggressive driving laws. The public tends to be less supportive of campaigns that target speeders.
There’s no good time to be involved in a car accident, but it may be more likely to happen during the holiday season. In addition to the possibility of expensive car repairs, personal injury may lead to a loss of wages and medical bills. An attorney may be able to help negotiate a settlement that may compensate the individual for costs related to the accident.
Source: Washington Post, “For drivers around Christmastime, it’s not exactly tidings of comfort and joy“, Ashley Halsey III, December 02, 2013