Be vigilant when driving!
Christmas is the busiest time of year, and in December, road traffic accidents are up 39%.
The hustle and bustle of the festive period mean that not only do accidents happen, but events occur that could have been prevented if only people thought twice.
Drink Driving
How would you feel if you or a family member made the crazy decision to get behind the wheel this December after a few mulled wines or Bailey’s hot chocolate and something dreadful happened? Putting their life, and other people’ at risk.
It would be soul-crushing, and after the unprecedented 2 years we’ve had with COVID, it’s not what we want to happen this Christmas, or at all for that matter!
Don’t do it. Don’t let your friends and family do it.
Invite them to stay. Call a taxi.
Poor weather conditions
Black ice, rain, snow and iced-over windscreens. The weather in Winter is a challenge in its self!
So, we need to adapt to all weather conditions to make sure we’re safe when driving throughout the colder months.
Check to see if your tyre width is 1.6mm or above the legal depth. Stock up on de-icer and have your brake pads examined to be extra safe.
The great thing about snow and sleet is that, if you don’t want to go out in it – you don’t have to! Use bad weather during the Christmas period to have a warm bath, turn the heating up high and watch Home Alone with a tonne of chocolate.
More vehicles on the road
Because Christmas time is all about family time, there’s bound to be more cars on the road.
Therefore, when we leave for a journey or day out, keep this in mind. Schedule for more travelling time so you’re not rushing, rushing may cause you to make driving decisions that you wouldn’t usually make – possibly causing small accidents or risks.
What to do if an accident occurs
If you’ve been a little unlucky this Christmas and find yourself in a road traffic accident – God forbid it’s only a small bump – opt for getting evidence.
If you’re not harmed, get out of the car where it’s safe to do so and take some pictures of the damage to the car. You want to be on the right side of things if insurance claims are to be made!
Seek immediate medical help by speaking with a doctor to check you’re all okay.
Here are some examples of evidence that can be useful in a road traffic accident compensation claim:
Photographs of your injuries and the scene of the accident
Video evidence of the accident (Including CCTV and dash-cam footage)
Witness statements
Medical records
Police records
Receipts
Evidence of loss of opportunity (such as wages or salary increases)
Diary Entries
– HNK SOLICITORS
We hope this was helpful to you and raised awareness!
We all need to stay safe on the roads, not just at Christmas. So, with this in mind, let’s all have a wonderfully festive Christmas period enjoying and savouring every little moment.