How to Stay Safe During the Chaos
It’s that time of year again, and the traffic outside is frightful. Holiday chaos is in full swing, and so is the traffic. Whether you’re commuting to work, rushing to check off your holiday shopping list, or sneaking out for a quick lunch before the next meeting, one thing is clear—traffic out there is crazy.
Everyone seems to be in a hurry, but all this rushing often leads to mistakes, reckless decisions, and unsafe roads. From gridlock at intersections to fender benders in parking lots, the holidays usher in challenges that require extra caution from drivers. This post dives into why holiday traffic is so chaotic, highlights common risky driving behaviors, and shares tips for handling accidents in Ohio and Michigan. Buckle up, and let’s get started.
Why Holiday Traffic Brings Out the Worst in Drivers
You’ve probably noticed the uptick in impatient and risky behavior on the roads during the holiday season, but why is it so bad this time of year? The simple answer is stress.
Shoppers Flooding the Roads
The streets are brimming with holiday shoppers trying to snag last-minute deals and gather gifts for their loved ones. With parking lots overflowing and tempers flaring, it’s easy for drivers to get frustrated and lose focus.
Rushed Work Schedules
Many people are trying to wrap up year-end obligations at work, leading to hurried commutes and tight schedules. From beating the clock to making it to meetings on time to squeeze in one last task before heading home, there’s little room for breathing space.
Lunch Break Rushes
Even quick errands during lunch breaks have turned into a frenzy. Grabbing a meal or running an errand during the limited lunch hour means drivers are often distracted or rushing to get back. The result? Everyone on the road is moving too fast, paying too little attention, and contributing to the general mayhem.
Common Traffic Issues During the Holiday Season
Speeding Through Traffic
When drivers are stuck in gridlock or running late, their impatience often manifests through sudden speeding bursts. Whether weaving in and out of lanes on a freeway or pushing the gas pedal in suburban streets, the urge to make up lost time is one of the most dangerous driving habits.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding contributed to 28% of all traffic fatalities in 2023. Heavy traffic compounds the risk; higher speeds reduce reaction times and increase collision impact, leaving fewer chances to avoid accidents.
Remember, rushing rarely saves significant time. Stick to legal speed limits and plan your trips to allow for delays. If you are running late, it’s better to notify someone instead of jeopardizing your or someone else’s safety.
Distracted Driving
Look around in traffic, and you’ll likely spot drivers scrolling through their phones, eating meals, or adjusting their GPS while barely paying attention to the road. Distracted driving doesn’t just mean texting—it encompasses anything that steals your focus away from operating the vehicle, including eating and messing with your phone, radio, and GPS.
The CDC reports that over 3,000 people will die due to distracted driving in 2024. That number translates to real human lives—families torn apart by something preventable. And it only takes a split-second distraction to rear-end another car or, far worse, harm a pedestrian.
From adjusting mirrors to keeping phones out of reach, small habits can make all the difference. The next time you’re in the driver’s seat, ask yourself, “Is what I’m doing worth risking a life?”
Tailgating
Tailgating occurs when a driver follows another vehicle too closely in traffic, leaving no room to react. It’s rampant during busy seasons when drivers impatiently try to edge forward at every opportunity.
Tailgating significantly raises the likelihood of rear-end collisions, which the Insurance Information Institute lists as one of the most common types of car accidents. With minimal space between vehicles, even a slight stop or hesitation can lead to a crash.
Follow the “three-second rule” to gauge a safe following distance. Pick a roadside object and ensure there’s a three-second gap between when the car in front passes and when you pass it. If driving in rain or poor visibility, increase that margin to five seconds.
Cutting Off Vehicles
When drivers encounter long waits in traffic, some may attempt risky merges and abrupt lane changes to exploit perceived gaps in the flow. Others make illegal U-turns over medians or shoulders to escape a jam entirely.
These maneuvers force other drivers to brake unexpectedly, increasing the chance of multi-vehicle collisions. They also heighten the risk of side-swipe accidents or hitting pedestrians and cyclists who aren’t expecting sudden turns.
Resist the urge to “bully” your way through traffic. Signal any changes well ahead of time and wait until other vehicles allow you space to merge. Practice patience—as much a virtue on the road as anywhere else.
Road Rage
From yelling and aggressive honking to tailgating and intentionally blocking other cars, road rage is common during busy seasons. It’s often a response to perceived slights like someone cutting off another driver or driving too slowly.
Road rage goes beyond frustration—it can escalate into dangerous retaliatory behaviors such as brake-checking or swerving. At its worst, it can cause accidents or physical altercations, putting everyone nearby at risk.
If you encounter an aggressive driver, stay calm and avoid engaging. Don’t make eye contact, gesture, or retaliate in any way. Instead, create space and call local authorities if the behavior continues. Remember, if you are followed, you can always drive to your local police station for assistance.
Driving Under Stress or Fatigue
Congested roads don’t just test patience—they breed stress. Drivers under stress are more prone to errors, quick decisions, and an inability to spot potential hazards. Fatigue, on the other hand, dulls reaction times and attention, making even straightforward drives perilous.
The CDC reports drowsy driving is responsible for more than 90,000 crashes annually. Stress compounds the issue, as frustrated or anxious drivers are less likely to make safe decisions while navigating heavy traffic.
If you feel too stressed or tired to drive, consider alternative options. Whether it’s public transportation, carpooling, or delaying your trip, a slight change in plans is much safer than driving under stress.
How to Stay Safe Amid the Mayhem
Plan Ahead and Give Extra Time
Preparing in advance is the best way to avoid stress on the roads. If traffic will be heavier, leave earlier to account for delays. For example, if you’re shopping, try going during off-peak hours, like weekday mornings, instead of evenings or weekends.
Prioritize Defensive Driving
During the holiday rush, defensive driving is your best friend. Stay alert, anticipate other drivers’ actions, and maintain a safe following distance. When someone cuts you off or behaves aggressively, resist the urge to retaliate—keeping your cool helps prevent accidents.
Obey Traffic Laws
Don’t do it, no matter how tempting it might be to squeeze through a yellow light or exceed the speed limit to beat the clock. Follow all traffic laws, especially in high-traffic areas. Remember, getting to your destination safely is far more important than getting there a few minutes sooner.
Stay Calm in Parking Lots
Holiday parking lots can be a nightmare. Drivers become impatient, and tempers flare. To avoid unnecessary stress:
- Be patient when waiting for a spot.
- Pull into parking spaces slowly to avoid collisions.
- Stay alert for pedestrians and shopping carts—backing out is especially important.
Limit Distractions
Distracted driving is dangerous at the best of times, but during the holidays, the stakes are even higher. Put away your phone, minimize conversations, and focus entirely on the road. Keeping your attention sharp can help you react quickly to sudden changes.
Pack Your Holiday Spirit
Finally, remember the true essence of the holidays is kindness and goodwill toward others—including your fellow drivers. Show a little courtesy by letting others merge, giving pedestrians extra time, or simply smiling as you wave to someone ahead.
What to Do If You’re in a Car Accident This Holiday Season
If you are in a car accident this holiday season, knowing exactly what to do can help you stay safe and protect your legal rights.
Step 1: Call 911 and Get to a Safe Location
The first thing you should always do in an accident is to call 911 to report the incident and request help. It doesn’t matter whether the accident seems minor or severe—reporting it ensures that the proper authorities and emergency services arrive promptly. This is especially important during the holiday season when roads are busy with travelers, and accidents can create additional hazards.
If it is safe, move yourself and any passengers to safety, preferably away from moving traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers and wait until law enforcement and medical professionals arrive.
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Step 2: Check for Injuries and Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Once you’ve called 911, assess yourself and others for injuries. Even if you feel okay, remember that adrenaline can mask injury symptoms. It’s crucial to allow medical professionals to evaluate everyone involved at the scene.
Receiving prompt medical attention is essential for your health, and documenting any injuries sustained for insurance or legal purposes. Keep copies of medical records and treatment plans, as they may serve as evidence if you need to file a claim or lawsuit.
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Step 3: Avoid Moving the Vehicles Unless Necessary
If possible, and unless law enforcement instructs, avoid moving the vehicles involved in the crash. Moving the vehicles could alter the evidence that might help determine liability. If the vehicles are creating a traffic hazard, take photos of the position of the cars before moving them aside.
Documenting the accident scene as it is can provide a clearer picture of what happened and is particularly important if there are any disputes about fault later on.
Step 4: Document the Scene Thoroughly
Evidence is key in car accidents. Use your smartphone to document every aspect of the accident scene. Make sure to capture:
- Damage to all vehicles involved
- License plates
- Road conditions, signs, and traffic signals
- Skid marks or debris on the road
- Any visible injuries
- Note the location of any nearby surveillance cameras
Additionally, ask for their names and contact information if there are witnesses. Their statements can provide crucial third-party verification of what happened.
Step 5: Contact Your Emergency Contacts for Support
Car accidents can be emotionally overwhelming, so don’t hesitate to call someone you trust for support. Whether it’s a family member or a close friend, having someone to lean on can help you stay calm and gathered while navigating the immediate aftermath of the incident.
They can also assist you in logistics, such as arranging transportation or coordinating with a towing company, if necessary.
Step 6: Call a Towing Company If Needed
If your car is too damaged to drive, contact a towing company to remove your vehicle from the scene. Many insurance companies have preferred towing services, so check with them first to avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses.
Ensure you have the towing company’s details and receipts for any associated costs. These documents may be helpful during your insurance claims process.
Step 7: Inform Your Insurance Company Promptly
Once the immediate chaos has settled, call your insurance company to report the accident and start the claims process. Provide them with all the details, including your documentation and witness contact information.
Remember to review your auto insurance policy, especially your liability and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, to ensure sufficient protection. This is especially important during the busy holiday season when accidents involving uninsured drivers tend to spike.
Also, if the other driver leaves the crash scene, make sure to make a police report, as many insurance companies require you to do so shortly, sometimes within 24 hours, to get coverage, such as UM/UIM or collision coverage.
Step 8: Seek Legal Help if Needed
If your accident involves significant injuries, death, or disputes about fault, it is critical to seek legal counsel. Attorneys specializing in auto accidents, like the team atGallon, Takacs & Boissoneault, can help protect your rights, gather additional evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies.
Reaching out to a legal professional ensures you don’t inadvertently compromise your case by saying or doing something detrimental to your claim.
Key Legal Tips to Follow
- Be Honest: Always provide accurate information to your insurance company and law enforcement. False claims may harm your case.
- Don’t Admit Fault: Avoid discussing blame at the accident scene. Often, you won’t have all the information, and admitting fault prematurely could hurt your case.
- Keep Your Case Private: Refrain from discussing the accident on social media or in public settings. This information could be used against you in legal proceedings.
- Consult an Automotive Accident Attorney Before Signing Anything: Consult an attorney to protect your rights before signing any documents or settlements.
Why Adequate Insurance Coverage Matters
Finally, it’s a good idea to periodically review your auto insurance policy—especially before the holiday season. Ensure you have sufficient liability and UM/UIM coverage to protect against financial burdens in an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Finding Joy in the Journey
It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of holiday traffic, but you can take steps to stay safe and make the experience more bearable. By planning ahead, staying patient, and driving defensively, you reduce your risks while keeping the holiday spirit alive.
Take a deep breath the next time you find yourself stuck in bumper-to-bumper chaos or circling a parking lot for the tenth time. Remember, the holidays are about more than the rush—they’re about being here to enjoy the season with your family and loved ones.
Your Toledo Car Accident Lawyers
We know the holiday season is exciting, but accidents can disrupt even the happiest moments. If you’re unsure about navigating the complexities after an auto accident, reach out to Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault for guidance. Our team of Toledo car accident lawyers is ready to help you every step of the way, starting with a free consultation to help guide you.
Stay safe this holiday season—and remember, no matter how hectic life gets, nothing is more important than protecting yourself and your loved ones. Stay safe, and happy holidays!
Call the automobile accident lawyers at 419-843-6663 to get started, or use our easy online contact form today.
If you reside in or around any of the areas we serve in Ohio and Michigan—Maumee, Defiance, Fremont, Findlay, Lima, Mansfield, Sandusky, Toledo, and Monroe—and are searching for “auto accident attorneys near me,” you can count on having the best car accident lawyer with Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault to represent you in a personal injury or wrongful death case. With a local auto accident attorney in Toledo, Ohio, help is just a phone call away.
