Safe Driving During the U.S. Holiday Travel Season
The holiday season brings some of the busiest travel days of the year, and with more cars on the road, crashes become more common. AAA reports that more than 100 million Americans travel during winter holidays, creating crowded roads and longer travel times. Heavy traffic, tighter schedules, and winter weather all raise the chance of collisions.
Distracted driving is one of the main contributors to these crashes. At any given moment in the U.S., about 660,000 drivers are using their phones behind the wheel. Texting drivers are roughly four times more likely to be involved in a crash because they take their eyes, hands, and attention away from the road.
Research shows that distraction increases during holiday travel. Cambridge Mobile Telematics found that distracted driving typically rises on major travel days, including the winter holiday period, adding thousands of additional crashes nationwide.
With more drivers, more distractions, and more pressure to get to places quickly, extra caution is essential. Set your GPS before you begin driving, silence notifications, and keep phones out of reach. Allow extra time for traffic, take breaks on long trips, and stay patient when roads are crowded.
A few simple choices, like focusing on the road, slowing down, and giving yourself time can help keep everyone safe this season.
Wishing you safe travels and warm, joyful holidays from all of us at Hunter’s Fund.
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