The holiday season is a time for celebrations, family gatherings, and travel. Most people will be hitting the road, boarding a flight, or hopping on a train. It also means accidents are more likely during this busy time of the year. Staying safe should be a top priority with increased traffic, crowded airports, and winter weather hazards. These holiday travel safety tips will help you enjoy a smooth journey while avoiding potential risks. And if you find yourself injured due to someone else’s negligence, knowing your legal options can be critical.
1. Road Travel
Road trips are a holiday tradition for many, but they also come with heightened risks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), during holidays, there is a significant increase in car accidents due to heavy traffic, winter weather, and distracted driving. From 2017 to 2021, The NHTSA reported more than 4,500 deaths in drunk driving crashes during the month of December. To stay safe on the road, implement the following actions:
- Plan Your Route: Before setting out, plan your route and check for any road closures or delays. This preparation can help you avoid unexpected detours and reduce stress during your journey.
- Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition. Check tire pressure, brakes, and fluid levels. A well-maintained car is less likely to break down or contribute to an accident.
- Avoid Distractions: Keep your focus on the road. Don’t use your phone, eat, or engage in activities that distract you from driving. Most importantly, don’t drink and drive under any circumstances!
Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. If you’re injured in a car accident caused by a reckless driver, working with a personal injury attorney can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Deldar Injury Attorneys is open during the holidays to help families in motor vehicle accidents anywhere in California.
2. Air Travel
Airports during the holidays can be chaotic, with long lines, crowded terminals, and delayed flights. While air travel is generally safe, the increased stress and rush can lead to accidents like slip and fall injuries or luggage mishandling. If you remember the 2022 holiday season, Southwest Airlines was fined $140 million by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for the company’s “holiday meltdown.” In total, Southwest paid over $700 million in penalties, passenger refunds, and reimbursements for its failure to protect customers and provide information during the chaotic period.
To minimize future problems or injury risks, airport passengers should consider these holiday travel safety tips:
- Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to navigate through security and reach your gate without rushing. This reduces the likelihood of accidents caused by haste.
- Wear Appropriate Footwear: Choose shoes with good traction to prevent slips on potentially wet or polished airport floors.
- Stay Aware: Be mindful of your surroundings, especially when using escalators, moving walkways, or boarding planes.
If you experience an injury at an airport, such as a fall caused by unsafe conditions or an accident during boarding, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim against the responsible parties. Our firm at Deldar also represents victims of airplane crashes. These are extremely tragic circumstances, but our attorneys know how to handle these cases with compassion and professionalism. Someone must be held accountable when aviation accidents happen to innocent people in California.
3. Train & Public Transportation
Traveling by train or public transit is a convenient option during the holidays, but it also carries risks. Things like slippery platforms, sudden stops, or overcrowded train cars can go wrong in a crowded environment. Buses also apply in these situations because city bus terminals and overcrowded bus stops present their own challenges, too. For a safer train or bus trip:
- Stand Back: On platforms, stand behind safety lines and avoid rushing to board. Trains and buses will wait for passengers to board safely.
- Secure Belongings: Keep your bags and personal items close to prevent tripping hazards for yourself and others.
- Use Handrails: Always hold onto handrails when the vehicle is in motion to prevent falls during sudden stops.
Train and bus travel is popular during the holidays. Keep your belongings secure and plan your route ahead of time to avoid confusion or rushing. If an accident happens due to negligence, swift legal action can help protect your rights and ensure fair treatment. With the power of a good accident attorney, you can follow these helpful holiday travel safety tips with confidence.
4. Pedestrian Safety
During the holidays, city centers, shopping malls, and festive gatherings become hubs of activity, making pedestrian safety more important than ever. With distracted drivers navigating busy streets and icy sidewalks creating slip hazards, pedestrians face heightened risks during this time of year. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), Los Angeles alone sees hundreds of pedestrian accidents annually. To stay safe as a pedestrian:
- Use Crosswalks: Always cross streets at designated crosswalks and obey traffic signals. void jaywalking, even if you’re in a hurry, as drivers may not anticipate pedestrians outside of designated zones.
- Stay Visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially when walking at night or in low-light conditions. Carrying a flashlight or using reflective accessories can make you more noticeable to drivers.
- Be Alert: Avoid habits like using headphones or looking at your phone while walking near traffic. Stay aware of your surroundings. Even if you have the right of way, always check for turning cars at intersections.
For children and elderly pedestrians, the risks can be even greater. Teach children to hold an adult’s hand near traffic and remind elderly family members to take extra care on uneven or icy surfaces. Pedestrians are especially vulnerable in parking lots, where drivers may be reversing or focusing on finding spaces, so always stay cautious when walking to or from your car.
5. Winter Weather Hazards
Winter weather in California varies by region. While Southern California may experience mild conditions, Northern California and mountainous areas can face significant winter hazards. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), Northern California can experience heavy rain, fog, and snow during winter, leading to dangerous driving conditions. To mitigate risks, use these helpful practices:
- Check Weather Reports: Before traveling, especially to or through Northern California or mountain regions, check the latest weather forecasts and road conditions.
- Drive Cautiously: In wet or icy conditions, reduce your speed and increase the following distance between your vehicle and others.
- Equip Your Vehicle: If traveling to areas prone to snow, ensure your vehicle is equipped with chains or snow tires, and carry an emergency kit with blankets, water, and a flashlight. Always have enough gas in your tank as well!
Caltrans has a handy list of additional holiday travel safety tips to implement this winter. Unfortunately, accidents caused by hazardous road conditions still happen. Mother Nature is sometimes too much for people traveling, but sometimes the cause of the accident is due to someone else’s negligence. If poor maintenance or unsafe road construction plays a role in your injury, an attorney can investigate and hold the appropriate parties accountable.
Call An Accident Attorney
Despite your best efforts to follow holiday travel safety tips, accidents can still happen. Whether you’re injured on the road, at an airport, or as a pedestrian, Deldar is here to help. Our dedicated team will fight for fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, giving you the peace of mind to focus on recovery. If you or a loved one has been injured during holiday travel, contact us today at (844) 335-3271 to start your free consultation.