Traveling This Holiday Season? How To Reduce Baltimore Car Accident Risks
The holidays bring festive gatherings and fun with friends and family, but they also mean heavier traffic. This creates hazards on local roads and major interstates surrounding the city, such as I-95, I-83, and I-695, increasing the likelihood of car accidents in Baltimore.
If you plan on traveling over the holidays, even if just across town, take precautions to protect yourself and your passengers. Our experienced Maryland car accident lawyers explain dangerous driving behaviors that make holiday crashes more common and offers safety tips to reduce your risks.
Dangerous Driving Behaviors That Increase Holiday Car Accidents in Baltimore
While festive lights, elaborate feasts, and time spent with family and friends make the holidays fun, the Maryland Department of Transportation warns that it is one of the most dangerous times of year for car accidents in Baltimore.
Whether you plan on traveling across town or out of state, be aware of the risks. While tight schedules, increased traffic, and winter weather increase the likelihood of crashes, ultimately, dangerous driving behavior is often to blame. This includes:
- Speeding and going too fast for weather, traffic, or road conditions.
- Aggressive maneuvers, such as tailgating or weaving through traffic on I-95 or I-695.
- Distracted driving, including texting, navigation adjustments, or eating behind the wheel.
- Drowsy driving, common when working overtime, after late nights, or on long trips.
- Drunk or drug-impaired driving, an increased threat spanning the day before Thanksgiving through the New Year.
Even if you pride yourself on being a safe driver, the dangerous behavior of other motorists can put you at risk.
Holiday Travel Safety Tips To Reduce Baltimore Car Accident Risks
The National Safety Council (NSC) advises keeping safety top of mind if you plan to travel this holiday season. To reduce your risk of car accidents in Baltimore, follow these safety tips:
- Visit your mechanic and make sure your vehicle is winter-ready.
- When planning trips, consider the weather and traffic and adjust your route accordingly.
- Require everyone to wear a seat belt.
- Avoid speeding or other aggressive driving behavior.
- Pay attention to the road and keep both hands on the wheel.
- Take rest breaks during long trips.
- Rely on Uber or a designated driver if you plan on drinking any amount.
If you are in a car accident in Baltimore, notify the police, gather contact information for everyone at the scene, and get medical care right away. Before making any statements to insurers, contact our experienced Maryland car accident lawyers to protect your rights in a claim.
Injured in a Holiday Crash? Contact Our Experienced Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers
The hectic nature of the holidays and the increase in traffic make car accidents in Baltimore more likely to happen. When injuries occur due to the reckless driving behavior of other motorists, Maryland Injury Lawyers helps you get the compensation you need to cover your losses.
Call or contact our experienced Maryland car accident lawyers online to protect yourself and your rights in an injury claim. For trusted, local legal representation in Baltimore, request a consultation today.
Sources:
mdot.maryland.gov/tso/pages/newsroomdetails.aspx?PageId=38&newsId=889
nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/seasonal-safety/winter-safety/holiday?srsltid=AfmBOoodztE0x3W9_cLHCCJi6wgs_oUbx1RPcvcL5JSIh89fU88VlybZ
