It is the most wonderful time of the year, or at least it is according to more than one holiday song. However, the holidays can increase your chance of a car accident. Therefore, every New Orleans driver should be aware holiday driving dangers before venturing out onto the roads. Below are three driving dangers associated with the holidays and how you can reduce your risk for a car accident in December.
Holiday Driving Danger Number 1: Transporting Christmas Trees
Whether you purchase your Christmas tree at a local lot or travel to a Christmas tree lot to cut down your tree this year, you will need to transport that tree home. Unless you have a truck, you will likely tie the Christmas tree to the roof of your car. Unfortunately, falling Christmas trees in one of the common holiday driving dangers that cause car accidents in December.
Some tips that can help you avoid a car accident from a falling Christmas tree include:
- Use a sturdy rope to secure the Christmas tree to the top of your vehicle.
- When tying the tree onto the roof of your car, use multiple pieces of rope instead of one long piece of rope. If one rope gives way, the other pieces of rope should hold the tree in place.
- Do not drive fast. Sharp turns and quick stops can cause the Christmas tree to shift and fall. If the tree does not fall, the shift in weight could cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
- Place the trunk of the tree at the front of your car to help avoid damage to the tree from the wind while you are driving.
- Leave the netting wrapped around the tree. The netting makes it easier to secure and transport the tree.
- When tying the tree to the roof of your car, open the doors and wrap the rope around the car. This method is more secure than just opening the windows to secure the rope.
Holiday Driving Danger Number 2: Don’t Drink and Drive
The holiday season typically means an increase in the number of drunk drivers on the road. However, these holiday driving dangers can be avoided. Do not drink and drive and do not allow friends or family members to drink and drive. If you are going to a party, you should have a designed driver or make other travel arrangements if you intend to consume alcohol. If you are hosting a holiday event, you need a plan in place to prevent guests from driving while intoxicated. You may want to provide overnight arrangements, a designed driver, or pay for public transportation for guests who over-indulge at your gathering.
Holiday Driving Danger Number 3: Watch for Pedestrians
As you drive through town enjoying the Christmas lights and displays, you need to make sure that you keep your eyes on the road. It is easy to become fascinated with the holiday displays. However, your fascination could be a deadly distraction. You need to be on alert for pedestrians during the holiday season, especially in parking lots and in areas in which holiday celebrations or displays are located.
Contact a New Orleans Car Accident Attorney
to Discuss Your Accident
If you are involved in a car accident during the holidays, Attorney Fred Olinde and the other attorneys of The Olinde Firm are here to help. Call our office at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to schedule your free consultation with a New Orleans car accident attorney.