Projected Record Breaking Travel for End of Year Holidays

By The Cagle Law Firm | December 17, 2024 | Car Accidents, Featured, News

After the record breaking travel over Thanksgiving this year, it is clear that Americans are set to travel extensively for the end-of-year festivities.  AAA projects travel in general by road or air is on track to break records. As Christmas falls on a Wednesday, the travel industry anticipates record breaking weekends of travel before and after the holiday.  Thus, if you are flying, pad the schedule and  arrive to the airport early.  If you are like many and arrive at the last minute, you will probably miss your flight.  All travelers, especially those driving, allow plenty of extra time.  Traffic will be heavy, thus pack your patience and try to think about the positives of the holiday season, family and friends.

AAA projects that 119.3 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home.  The official holiday time period  begins Saturday, December 21 to Wednesday January 1, 2025.  This year’s domestic travel projection surpasses previous record set in 2019 by 64,000 travelers.  AAA expects an additional 3 million travelers this holiday season compared to last year.

Roadway Travel

Nearly 90 percent of holiday travelers will be driving to their destinations.  An estimated 107 million people are expected to travel by car.  Driving provides more travel flexibility and gas prices are lower than this time last year.  More people on the roadway increases the risks of motor vehicle collisions. Nothing ruins a holiday like a motor vehicle collision.

Safety Tips for Safe Holiday Travel

Slow Down– It is tempting to speed as it feels like we are saving time, however the facts do not actually support that idea. In fact, what might have been a minor crash can become deadly under increased speeds.  In reality, driving 80 mph instead of 75 mph over 100 miles saves only 5 minutes.  The risks do not outweigh the rewards–5 minutes difference verses arriving safely.

Drive Alert.  Only drive when you are ALERT which means also SOBER.  Driving fatigued (on 4-5 hours of sleep) can be similar as driving tipsy/intoxicated.  Travel during hours you are normally awake and avoid overnight drives.  It may seem like a time saver, however, overnight drives also possibly means more fatigued or intoxicated drivers on the roadway with you.  Avoid driving right after you consume a heavy meal as we all know we grow sleepy after a holiday dinner.  Do not consume alcohol at all if you are going to drive.

While covering a lot of miles in a long trip, take breaks every couple of hours or 100 miles.  Use these breaks to switch drivers if possible, or park in a safe location for a short nap.  DO AVOID PULLING TO THE SIDE OF A BUSY HIGHWAY OR INTERSTATE.  Make certain that you do not pull to the shoulder of a busy highway or interstate–it is not safe.

Slow Down & Move Over

Roadside workers including state workers, law enforcement, first responders and motorist assist workers are killed every week in the United States.  If you are driving very many miles, you will encounter a stranded motorist, law enforcement or roadside assistance on the shoulder of busy highways and interstates.  These incidents are dangerous when traffic is heavy and drivers are not alert and paying close attention.  When you see an emergency responder or stranded vehicle on the side of the road , your first response should be to slow down. If possibly change lanes to give crew more room.  Move Over laws are in place all over the country.  You will encounter these situations over the holidays and you do not want to end up being another party in an incident.

Air Travel

AAA expects to set a new record of 7.95 million passengers which would surpass last year’s record of 7.5 million.  Bookings show that flights are 4 percent more expensive than this time last year. Average domestic tickets are $830.00 and international flights are 13 % more expensive

Enjoy the Holidays

At The Cagle Law Firm, we want you to thoroughly enjoy the holidays.  Everyone can safely enjoy all of the end-of-year celebrations when basic precautions are followed.  While we cannot control other driver’s behaviors on the roadway, we can control ours.  The biggest thing you can do is plan your travel allowing extra time, making sure you have a sober driver and refraining from distracted driving.  Most of us are not naturally really patient people when we are traveling but this busy holiday traffic season will require you to tap into some of your peace for patience.

No One Plans for a Motor Vehicle Crash

While no one plans for a motor vehicle incident, you should know what to do if you are actually in a crash.  If you are in a crash over the holidays, there is a chance that it occurs to you while you are out of town and not in your home city.  Steps after a crash as really the same wherever you are.

Call the Police–This is one of the most important things to do after a crash for your  personal safety and documentation of the crash for legal reasons.  Do not hesitate to call the police.  If the other driver suggests that you not call the police, you absolutely should.  When you fail to call the police, you are taking a gamble based on a stranger’s word that they will be accountable–that rarely works out unfortunately.  Call the police, as it is harder for an individual to give false information to a police officer. Furthermore, the incident report created by law enforcement becomes one of the first important pieces of evidence in your case should you need to pursue and injury case.

Seek Medical Treatment– Yes, even if you are in a different state, seek immediate medical assistance if you are hurt.  Yes, it is inconvenient and it may change up some of your holiday plans.  Those that fail to get the appropriate medical treatment do so at their own peril.  When in doubt, take care of yourself.

Call an Attorney. We know that motor vehicle crashes do not just occur Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thus, we are available seven days a week and welcome talking to you right away.  In every one of those phone calls, we are able to tell you exactly what you should and should NOT do to protect yourself and your rights if you are injured.

After a collision, most people are overwhelmed and have many questions.  Our attorneys would really much rather give you the advice and help you avoid pitfalls that so many people suffer. Call us seven days a week, locally 314.276.1681 or toll free 1.800.685.3302

About The Author

The Cagle Law Firm

View all posts by The Cagle Law Firm →