Traveling This Holiday? How To Reduce Issaquah Auto Accident Risks

The holidays are a busy time of year, and traffic is heavy on roads and highways throughout Washington State. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, there’s a dramatic spike in crashes, which are capable of causing catastrophic injuries.

Whether you intend to travel across town or throughout the Pacific Northwest, our Issaquah auto accident attorney wants you to know the risks and how to protect yourself and your passengers this season.

Reckless Driving Behavior Responsible For Increased Holiday Auto Accidents in Issaquah

The Washington Traffic Safety Commission warns drivers that the holidays are the most common time for auto accidents. Between Thanksgiving and January 1st, crashes and collisions claim the lives of nearly 20 people throughout the state and leave hundreds of others suffering potentially severe injuries.

While heavy holiday traffic and wintry weather conditions increase crash risks, reckless driving is often ultimately to blame. Dangerous behavior common over the holidays that increases Issaquah auto accident risks include:

Speeding and going too fast for conditions.
Drowsy driving after working late nights, driving long distances, or holiday celebrations.
Distracted driving, which includes anything that causes you to take your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, or your mind off driving.
Aggressive driving, such as tailgating, abrupt lane changes, and failing to yield.
Driving under the influence, a common factor in life-threatening holiday crashes.

Even if you’re cautious, others around you may not be. Understanding these risks can help you anticipate dangerous situations and respond accordingly.

Holiday Travel Tips To Reduce Issaquah Auto Accident Risks

The American Automobile Association (AAA) reports that nearly 120 million people travel over the holiday season. Whether driving across town or longer distances, be aware of the risks, particularly in high-traffic areas like I-90, SR 18, or Front Street near downtown Issaquah.

To protect yourself, your passengers, and others on the road, follow these tips:

Make sure your vehicle is winter-ready, as mechanical failures increase the likelihood of a crash.
Get plenty of sleep the night before taking any trips.
Avoid peak travel times when possible, such as late afternoon on the day before major holidays.
Give other motorists plenty of space and avoid aggressive behavior.
If you plan on drinking any amount of alcohol, use a designated driver or ride-sharing to get home.

If you are involved in a holiday auto accident in Issaquah, notify the police right away. Take photos or videos at the scene, get contact information for other drivers and witnesses, seek medical care, and get legal help before speaking to insurers.

Injured in a Holiday Crash? Contact Our Experienced Issaquah Auto Accident Attorney Today

The holidays are among the most common times of year for crashes and collisions, which can cause potentially devastating injuries. Injury Law Group NW provides the trusted legal guidance you need to protect your rights and fight to get you compensation.

We hold reckless drivers responsible for behavior that puts you at risk. Contact our office and request a consultation with our experienced Issaquah auto accident attorney today.

Sources:

wtsc.wa.gov/dashboards/holiday-fatalities-dashboard/

newsroom.aaa.com/2024/12/year-end-forecast/