3 types of dangerous drivers to watch for this holiday season
Every time we get in our cars to drive somewhere, we face at least some risk of getting into an accident — even when we take precautions and comply with traffic laws. This is because there are countless drivers on the road who fail to take these same steps to avoid crashes.
And in the coming weeks, the risk of getting into an accident can be particularly high, as certain kinds of dangerous driving can increase during the holiday season. Below, examine three types drivers to be especially wary of this month as well as what you can do if you are in an accident caused by one of them.
- Distracted drivers – Drivers can easily become distracted during the holiday season. Some can be lost and trying to enter a destination into a GPS, others can be shopping while driving. People can also be distracted by looking at holiday lights, changing the radio station or responding to a text about gift ideas. Whatever the distraction may be, inattentive drivers put themselves and everyone around them in danger of getting into an accident.
- Drunk drivers – Nothing ruins holidays faster than a drunk driver. Unfortunately, drunk driving can increase around holidays because people may be attending more social gatherings or dealing with seasonal stress or depression, which can make them more likely to drink. And too many people will then get in their cars to drive, even though they shouldn’t.
- Drowsy drivers – The stress and demands of the holiday can make people lose sleep. In the next few weeks, there is a very real risk that another driver sharing the road with you will be drowsy, whether it’s a college student cramming for finals or someone taking on extra shifts to pay for Christmas gifts. When a person is sleep-deprived, he or she can be just as dangerous behind the wheel as an intoxicated driver.
Too many people will wind up dealing with property damage and serious injuries after an accident with one of these drivers. If this includes you or your loved one, talk to an auto accident attorney in Belleville IL about the legal and financial remedies available can be a critical part of your recovery process.
Daniel C. Katzman is a Partner at Katzman & Sugden, LLC and is licensed to practice law in Illinois and Missouri. Daniel was born and raised in Belleville, Illinois where his dad, Steven E. Katzman has had his law office for over 40 years. Daniel joined the law firm of Katzman & Sugden, LLC after receiving his J.D. from St. Louis University School of Law in 2011, where he earned certificates in Health Law and Employment Law. Prior to that, he received his undergraduate degree in Health: Science, Society & Policy from Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. Combining his background in health policy and law, Daniel focuses his practice on assisting clients who have been injured through no fault of their own. He is admitted to practice law in Illinois, Missouri, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.