With the holiday season already in full swing, there are many expectations. To begin, one is likely to spend time with family. Additionally, presenting giving and receiving will also occur. Finally, many residents in Virginia and elsewhere can expect to travel by motor vehicle to get to these holiday gatherings and celebrations. This time behind the wheel could be something that can create unhappiness this holiday season. Not just because traffic is likely to be bad, but also because many drivers will be tempted to use their phones while driving.
Distracted driving is already a major issue across the nation. However, reports indicate that this dangerous behavior is expected to increase during the holidays. Based on data collected with driving apps, which track whether a person is driving a vehicle while using an app, there is an increase in 33 percent of distracted driving during the holidays.
The timeframe between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is a time where many travel to see loved ones. This might mean traveling long distances and needing to check one’s email, send a text or even check social media. Based on data collected by the National Safety Council, they estimated that during this year’s long Thanksgiving weekend, 433 people will die and another 49,400 would be seriously injured in a car crash.
In addition to distracted driving being an issue during the holiday season, it was found that more drivers speed during this timeframe as well. It was found that on the average weekday, drivers will speed 25 percent of the time. In contrast, during the holidays, this number jumps up to 45 percent. It was also found that text messages have increased during this timeframe, while actual calls have gone down when compared to the average week.
No matter the time of year, distracted driving is dangerous. When a driver is negligent and is not attentive to their driving, this could cause a serious accident. Victims of a car crash should understand that a distracted driver may be liable for the accident. A personal injury action could help hold them accountable, while also assisting with the collection of child support.