For many people, holidays are among the best times to catch up with family and friends and get some much-needed rest. However, there is no denying that the roads also become significantly more dangerous due to a variety of factors. With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, you can expect more activity on the roads, as well as drunk drivers.
In Maryland, driving during the holidays can become dangerous in the blink of an eye. If you wish to stay safe on the road, it is important to be aware of some of the days when accidents become more likely and why.
High-risk holiday periods in Maryland
Certain holidays consistently lead to more traffic, increasing the likelihood of collisions. Being aware of these high-risk periods can help you prepare, adjust your travel plans and stay alert on the road. Generally, the most dangerous holidays include:
- Fourth of July: Fireworks and heavy alcohol consumption lead to many car accidents in Maryland.
- New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day: Late-night parties and early morning travel can raise crash risks due to fatigue.
- Thanksgiving: Long-distance trips and packed highways result in many collision accidents, especially if people drink during Thanksgiving celebrations.
- Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Last-minute shopping, family visits and late-night driving can pose a threat to drivers, especially when it snows.
- Memorial Day and Labor Day: Vacation traffic and aggressive merging mean high traffic, and the more cars there are on the road, the more likely it is for accidents to happen.
- St. Patrick’s Day: Celebrations at bars, restaurants and private parties across Maryland often lead to an increase in alcohol consumption.
The holidays are dangerous because they combine numerous factors that are deadly enough on their own. This includes driving under the influence, exhaustion and heavy traffic. Planning your trips carefully and adjusting your driving habits is vital if you want to reduce the risk of getting into a car accident.
Staying safe during the holidays
Some of the best ways to avoid crashes and other accidents during the holidays include avoiding alcohol before driving and keeping your speed under control. Put your phone away to avoid distractions, signal and communicate with drivers and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles at all times.
Simple precautions can make a meaningful difference when the roads are full of drivers, many of whom are fatigued. By staying focused, planning ahead and following traffic laws, you can help protect yourself and others while still enjoying the holiday season.