The Dangers of Holiday Travel in Texas

The “dangers of holiday travel” might sound ridiculous to anyone in the Greater Houston Area. After all, we rarely have to worry about snow or iced-over roads, right? Unfortunately, potential dangers come in many forms around the Gulf Coast. 

For many, the holiday season revolves around travel. We move through the city, state, and country to visit our family and friends. According to a report from the Bureau of Travel Statistics, more than 90% of holiday travels occur in personal vehicles, like cars, vans, and SUVs. 

Additionally, the more people traveling 50 miles or more significantly increases around the holidays. This is when we start to see the dangers of holiday travel come into play. Unfortunately, other dangers often combine with increased seasonal traffic to cause catastrophic car accidents. 

If you or a loved one sustains an injury during your holiday travels, it’s important to consult a personal injury lawyer as soon as you are able. With the right representation, you have a better chance to maximize your settlement after a car accident. 

As your advocate, your car accident lawyer calculates every applicable damage to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. As such, it is crucial that you do everything in your power to protect your future. 

Increased Danger in Seasonal Traffic

On its own, heavy traffic is rife with threats. When you include the dangers of holiday travel, its easy to see how much risk people face on the road. Below, we look at some of the most common factors that contribute to heightened holiday risks. 

Moreover, we offer some insight on how to avoid them. 

Drunk Drivers and Otherwise Impaired Drivers

Oftentimes, the holidays, parties, and drinking go hand-in-hand. Every year, we see an increase in drunk driving accidents and DUI accidents around the holidays. More and more, drunk drivers put others at risk – even when the other people on the road haven’t had a drop of alcohol. 

If you plan to attend a holiday party and drink, it’s good to ensure you have a designated driver with you. Alternatively, there are many other options available to provide you with transportation home. 

Moreover, it’s a good idea to prevent others from driving impaired. If you see someone you believe to be impaired on the road, contact the local authorities as soon as possible. 

Adverse Weather Conditions

If you’re in Houston, TX, you might read that, look out the window, and wonder what it’s about. That’s the point, though. Many Texans don’t have experience driving amidst the dangers of holiday travel when it comes to the weather. 

Aside from the freeze earlier in 2021, we hardly ever have to deal with ice or snow on the roads. However, if you plan to travel outside of Houston, it’s best to know what you’re up against. 

These wintery weather conditions have a significant detrimental impact on both visibility and vehicle performance. 

If you plan to travel, check the weather on your route before you leave. Moreover, try to avoid driving through any winter storms. Lastly, it’s always a good idea to have a professional check your vehicle before you leave for a trip. 

Aggressive Drivers

For a lot of people, the holidays are a stressful time. Unfortunately, the frustration people feel is one of the dangers of holiday travel. Whether it’s congested roads or busy stores, that frustration often leads to aggressive driving. 

If you ever feel threatened by another driver, your best bet is to ignore them. Don’t engage in any sort of communication with them. Simply pull over to a safe place and wait it out. 

Staying Safe On the Road

If the dangers of holiday travel ever result in an accident, call the police and be sure they investigate. When someone sustains an injury, call 911 for emergency medical attention. Additionally, record as much information about the incident as possible. 

• Take photos of the scene damage
• Gather contact information from witnesses
• Record the other driver’s information 

Seek medical attention even if you feel fine. You never know what injury might pop up later. Lastly, schedule a free consultation with a lawyer before you make a statement about the incident.