Somebody you know lost their loved one to a drunk driver during Christmas week five years ago. They were driving home from a late-night shopping trip, doing everything right – sober, alert, and following all traffic rules.
But sometimes, doing everything right isn’t enough when others make dangerous choices. Rings a bell, doesn’t it? The holiday season, while festive and joyous, can turn tragic in the blink of an eye. Last year alone, 345 people never made it home to open their Christmas presents, according to the National Safety Council.
The numbers are even more harrowing for other holidays – 619 lives were lost during Independence Day celebrations in 2023. Behind each of these statistics is a family forever changed, an empty chair at the dinner table, and dreams that will never come true.
This season’s challenges are real. Alcohol consumption, excess traffic, blinding lights, snow – all these can make holiday travel risky. This article is here to help with practical tips for safer nighttime driving during the holidays so you can enjoy the season while keeping yourself—and others—out of harm’s way.
Stay Alert of Road Conditions
Driving at night-time during holidays means you have to deal with reduced visibility along with holiday traffic. Research your route beforehand, identifying well-lit roads and avoiding areas known for holiday celebrations that might increase the risk of encountering impaired drivers.
Also, scan the road ahead for any patches of ice or unexpected debris, and check mirrors frequently to stay aware of traffic patterns around you. Take extra caution while passing through the notorious I-25 stretch between Colorado Springs and Denver. The area is known to be hazardous during holidays due to heavy traffic combined with snowfall.
Recently, a tragic hit-and-run incident at a busy intersection in Colorado Springs left a community shaken. Incidents like these highlight how quickly situations can escalate, especially while driving through Colorado Springs at night after 10 pm.
If you or someone you love is ever caught in a similar situation, first seek immediate medical attention. Once you are safe and stable, consider reaching out to a qualified Colorado Springs personal injury lawyer for guidance on the next steps.
Proper legal guidance can make a world of difference in such scenarios. A personal injury lawyer specializing in car accidents can help you understand your options and secure fair compensation. According to Springs Law Group, the success rate for personal injury cases depends on choosing experienced attorneys who are well-versed in both the legal and medical sides of these cases.
Time is of the essence in legal matters. The sooner you have a personal injury attorney on your side, the better your chances of securing a favorable outcome. Delaying could seriously jeopardize your case. So act quickly if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation.
Keep Your Distance, Double Your Time
Those festive lights ahead might look beautiful, but they’re also a signal to increase your following distance. At night, depth perception becomes trickier, and holiday decorations can create confusing light patterns that affect your judgment.
The rule of thumb during regular conditions is maintaining a three-second gap – during holiday nights, make it six. Give yourself extra time to reach your destination too. When you’re not rushing, you’re better equipped to handle unexpected situations on dark roads.
Create a Holiday Night-driving Kit
When it comes to holiday travel, a little extra prep can go a long way. Start with the basics like a flashlight, jumper cables, and a first-aid kit, but add in a few seasonal essentials. Pack reflective triangles in case you end up on the side of a busy road during holiday traffic.
Keep a portable phone charger handy—cold weather drains batteries quickly, and you don’t want to be left stranded without a way to call for help. Throw in some snacks like granola bars or nuts, just in case you get caught in long delays.
Fix Your Vehicle’s Lighting System
Car headlights are your primary safety tool at night. Did you know that headlight output can decrease significantly after just two to three years?
Consider replacing your headlight bulbs if they’re showing signs of yellowing or dimming – even if they haven’t burned out yet. While you are at it, also make sure to check your headlight alignment regularly (yes, they can become misaligned over time), and know how to effectively use high beams.
For optimal illumination on dark roads, use high beams as long as there is no oncoming vehicle within 500 feet distance. In residential areas with holiday decorations, stick to low beams to reduce glare and maintain better visibility of pedestrians.
Your Journey, Your Story – Let’s Keep It a Happy One
Remember, every car you see on those dark holiday roads carries someone’s loved ones. The simple steps we’ve shared today are meant to be your toolkit for making sure everyone’s holiday stories have happy endings. Driving during holiday nights can be daunting at times, but with the proper preparation and mindset, you can protect memories yet to be made.
