How to avoid a car accident on new year’s eve

It’s hard to believe that the new year is already upon us. While New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are meant to celebrate the incoming year and what it will bring, it’s also an incredibly risky time of year for car accidents. In fact, the National Safety Council estimates that approximately 427 people may pass away due to injuries sustained on the road during the New Year’s weekend. At Team Law, we want you to celebrate the start of the new year safely. Here are some tips on how to avoid a car accident on New Year’s Eve: 

1. Don’t Drink and Drive

Perhaps the biggest way you can avoid a car accident on New Year’s Eve is to not drink and drive. Alcoholic consumption plays a big role on New Year’s Eve and unfortunately, is also one of the biggest contributors to car accidents over the holiday weekend. The National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 54 deaths occur on New Year’s Eve as a result of drunk driving accidents. 

If you do plan on drinking this holiday weekend, make a plan to spend the night at your friend or relative’s house or call a rideshare service like Lyft or Uber. If you’re going out, you should also make a plan for who will be the designated driver so you can all get home safely. 

2. Make a Plan

Not only should you make a plan for a designated driver or rideshare service, but you should also plan accordingly if the weather conditions aren’t ideal. New Jersey’s forecast this week is calling for rain over the holiday weekend, which will make the roads slick and difficult to navigate. If you’re driving, always plan ahead for poor weather conditions – such as rain – and how that will affect your drive. People tend to drive differently when it’s raining since their visibility is reduced and stopping time is increased. However, during the New Year’s Eve celebration, drunk drivers may speed or make last-minute turns, forcing you to slam on your brakes and putting you at risk of hydroplaning. 

Always account for traffic delays due to poor weather and increased traffic so you know how much time to leave before you go. Remember, you can’t – and shouldn’t – make time up on the road. Also, make a plan to recognize drunk or reckless drivers. Oftentimes, they may be speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, or swerving. If you notice this, keep a safe following distance and pull over somewhere safe to call the police to report it. Doing this could save a life. 

3. Avoid Distractions

Cognitive distractions are anything that takes your mind off the task at hand. In this case, driving. Before you put the car in gear, flip on your phone’s “do not disturb” mode so you’re not tempted to call or text someone while driving. Avoid eating or drinking and turn the radio off so you can stay focused. 

If you’re the designated driver transporting your friends and family members, make sure all your passengers are wearing their seatbelts and lock the doors so they can’t open them mid-commute. You could also make a plan with another designated driver to limit the number of passengers you each take to help reduce distractions. 

Contact A Clark Personal Injury Lawyer To Discuss Your Car Accident Case In New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in New Jersey? Don’t wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Team Law represent clients injured because of car accidents in Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, and throughout New Jersey. Call (732) 540-1394 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 136 Central Ave., Clark, NJ 07066, as well as offices in West New York, Perth Amboy, Edison, Summit, Newark, New Brunswick, Orange, Plainfield, and Jersey City.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.