Staying Safe This Holiday Season: December Is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

Most Californians know that December is one of the busiest months for travel, but many don’t realize just how dangerous the roads become this time of year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number of traffic fatalities involving impaired drivers surges during the holiday season, with Christmas and New Year's being some of the deadliest days of the year. For drivers in Los Angeles, where traffic is already a challenge, the risk of encountering impaired drivers adds a significant layer of danger.

December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, an opportunity to reflect on the hazards and make informed choices about staying safe on the roads. Despite being a cautious and responsible driver, you can still face risks from others’ reckless behaviors. Here's what you need to know and how an LA drunk driving accident lawyer can help if you are hit and injured by an impaired driver.

What makes the holiday season so dangerous for drivers?

Driving in California during the holidays brings a host of unique challenges that can test even the most cautious drivers. The heightened risk of encountering someone running a red light, speeding, or weaving unpredictably through traffic means vigilance is often not enough.

Holiday gatherings, parties, and year-end celebrations frequently involve alcohol, leading to an alarming increase in impaired drivers on the roads. Despite public awareness campaigns, many people still underestimate how alcohol or drugs impair their ability to drive safely.

Distracted driving is another significant concern, with drivers often adjusting GPS systems, handling holiday gifts, or attending to children or pets in the car. These distractions, combined with rushed holiday errands, increase the likelihood of crashes.

In Los Angeles, the risks are further amplified by congested freeways, heavy traffic, and hurried drivers distracted by holiday errands. Seasonal rain, while infrequent, creates slippery roads that catch many drivers off guard. Fatigue from extended road trips — common during holiday travel — can slow reaction times and impair judgment, with effects similar to alcohol impairment.

Pedestrian accidents also spike during the holidays, as more people are out shopping, attending events, or crossing streets near busy malls and entertainment venues. Drivers often fail to anticipate the increased foot traffic, particularly in dimly lit areas.

Several types of accidents occur more frequently during the holiday season, including:

• DUI-related collisions: Drunk and drugged driving accidents rise significantly, particularly at night and during weekends.
• Rear-end crashes: Distracted drivers focused on their phones or rushing through traffic can cause rear-end collisions.
• Intersection accidents: Impaired drivers often misjudge traffic signals or fail to yield the right of way, leading to T-bone crashes.
• Multi-car pileups: Congested freeways and sudden stops create a higher likelihood of chain-reaction collisions.

For families who lose loved ones to fatal holiday-related or DUI crashes, a compassionate attorney can help pursue wrongful death claims to cover funeral expenses, lost income, and the profound emotional impact of the tragedy.

Tips to stay safe on the road this holiday season

While you can't control others' reckless actions, taking these proactive steps can help protect you and your loved ones:

• Plan ahead: Steer clear of the roads during late-night hours and high-risk days like Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve when impaired driving accidents spike.
• Stay alert: Keep a close eye on other drivers’ behavior. Erratic movements such as swerving, sudden braking, or excessive speeding are warning signs of an impaired or distracted driver. Maintain a safe distance from these vehicles.
• Avoid distractions: Eliminate any distractions in your own vehicle, including cell phones, so you can stay focused on spotting and reacting to potential hazards caused by other drivers.
• Use Defensive Driving Techniques: Assume other drivers may make unpredictable moves. Stay prepared to react quickly with an escape plan to avoid dangerous situations.
• Arrange Alternative Transportation: If attending a holiday celebration where alcohol is served, rely on rideshare services or a sober driver rather than risking an encounter with impaired drivers on the road.

Taking these steps can help you stay safe from the hazards posed by others' recklessness this holiday season. But when the unthinkable happens and another driver’s negligence leads to an accident, seeking legal guidance is crucial. An experienced drunk driving accident lawyer can advocate for you, navigate the complexities of your case, and ensure you don’t face the aftermath alone.

Hold drunk drivers accountable — Contact Oaks Law Firm today!

The aftermath of a drunk driving accident can be devastating for victims and their families. In California, victims of impaired driving crashes may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

If a drunk driver injured you or claimed the life of a loved one in Los Angeles, you deserve justice. Oaks Law Firm is here to protect your rights and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve under California law—our case results include traffic accident settlements of $1 million or more.

Drunk driving accidents can leave devastating impacts, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Contact our experienced attorneys for a free consultation to discuss your options and start pursuing the compensation you deserve. Pay nothing unless we win your case!

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