5 Winter and Holiday Driving Risks (And How to Avoid Them)
It’s almost the “most wonderful time of the year,” with holiday parties, days off work or school, and plenty of good food and cheer. While the winter season has much to offer locals in Columbus, it can also bring a host of risks – especially on the road. Fortunately, planning ahead and taking some precautions can help you and your family stay safe throughout the seasonal celebrations. Here are five risks you should be aware of and ways to avoid them from our team at Soroka & Associates, LLC.
1. Risk: Drunk driving
Drunk driving is a risk year-round. However, during the holiday season, more people are attending events and parties, potentially leading to an uptick in drunk driving across the country. In 2022, for example, 1,062 people nationwide died in alcohol-related accidents in December alone. Despite consistent warnings from Ohio police that they are going to be aggressively looking for drunk drivers during the holidays, some motorists fail to listen.
Tip for staying safe
Planning ahead by coordinating with a designated driver or opting for a rideshare can help prevent you from making decisions or getting stuck later after you consume alcohol. While you can choose not to drive drunk, you have no say about who you share the road with. If you see a driver behaving erratically or who you believe is drunk, don’t try to pass them. Keep your distance, and call the police to report the vehicle.
2. Risk: Hazardous weather conditions
According to statistics, Ohio averages 86 winter driving fatalities a year – making it the state with the most winter-weather driving deaths in the country. Snow and ice create significant dangers on the road as they make it less likely for someone to be able to stop quickly and can cause drivers to slide and veer out of their lanes. Additionally, snow can impede visibility, adding to the risks of crashes.
Tips for staying safe
Checking weather reports ahead of time can help you plan your travels so that you are less likely to become stuck in a storm. Still, it’s likely that you will need to drive during less-than-ideal weather conditions. Equipping your vehicle with winter tires and taking practical steps like slowing down can go a long way toward staying safe on the road.
Follow the Ohio Department of Transportation’s winter driving tips, which include clearing your vehicle of snow before driving, starting and stopping gradually, and increasing the stopping distance between your vehicle and others.
3. Risk: Late-night driving
Late-night driving can be risky, in part because drunk driving is more common during the hours between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. In fact, about 42% of deadly crashes in that period involve alcohol. However, drunk driving isn’t the only risk associated with driving after dark. Low visibility is another issue, as is drowsy driving. Over 17% of deadly accidents involve drowsy drivers.
Tips for staying safe
In the best-case scenario, drivers should avoid driving late at night or when they are tired. Additionally, when driving at night or for long distances, it is necessary to make time for frequent breaks and, if possible, share the driving responsibilities with another person.
4. Risk: Reduced daylight hours
Earlier sunsets and later sunrises mean that the holiday season is dark. Drivers are forced to deal with less visibility, especially if it’s dark and snowing. Glare from headlights can create added challenges. Driving in low light is even more difficult for older adults, according to the National Safety Council. Drivers who are 50 may even need twice as much light as a 30-year-old driver.
Tips for staying safe
First, drivers should check that their lights are working properly and that their windshield wipers are in good condition. If these parts fail, driving can become even more hazardous at night. Another good idea is to slow down. When visibility is an issue, traveling at a slower speed will allow more time to notice potential hazards on the road.
5. Risk: Distracted Driving
Ohio’s distracted driving law appears to be helping the state reduce deadly accidents. During the last holiday season, the number of distracted driving citations issued by police in the state spiked by a shocking 436%. Police are being more vigilant about this dangerous traffic violation, but the sheer number of citations indicates that distracted drivers are a common threat to road safety.
Tips for staying safe
Distracted driving is now almost synonymous with using a mobile phone. However, there are other forms of distractions, including eating or drinking behind the wheel and even paying too much attention to passengers instead of the road. The best way to stay safe is to focus and avoid looking at screens. Check directions before you leave, as well, so that you don’t find yourself struggling with GPS while you are driving. Aside from avoiding driving distracted, you should always pay close attention while driving and keep an eye out for other distracted drivers that you share the road with.
Holding irresponsible drivers accountable
Sadly, you can only ensure you aren’t a risk to yourself and others. Even the most cautious driver can face dangers caused by those who choose to drink, look at their phones, or travel too fast during a snowstorm. When you or a family member suffer injuries in a car crash because another driver chose not to behave responsibly, you may be able to hold that motorist at fault for their actions. At Soroka & Associates, LLC, we can help.
From all of us at Soroka & Associates, LLC, we wish you a wonderful winter and holiday season and safe travels to all of your destinations. If you do experience injuries because of another driver, reach out to us to learn how we can recover compensation for your injuries. Call us or fill out our contact form to set up a free consultation.