The holiday season is the time of year families, and friends gather to catch up and celebrate together. That means more and more people will likely travel over the winter months–whether to vacation somewhere new or meet with people back home.
And although most holiday vacations are enjoyable, travelling during this busy season has risks, from road accidents to getting unexpectedly sick while you’re far from home.
Here are some risks of travelling during the holiday season and what you can do to stay safe and avoid them.
Table of Contents
Common Risks of Traveling During The Holiday Season
Car Accidents During a Road Trip
The holidays bring out more cars on the road than usual due to holiday parties and road trips. Unfortunately, that means more accidents happen on the road during this time, as well. This can be due to many factors, from bad weather to distracted driving.
Because people are out celebrating, car accidents due to drunk driving are also more common over the holidays. And this isn’t just limited to winter holidays; reports show that car accidents because of DUIs shoot up by 10% on St. Patrick’s Day.
Another common reason for car accidents over the holidays is poor lighting on the road. This is usually because people often drive after dark to attend nighttime parties and gatherings.
Before hitting the road for travel during the holidays, make sure to do the following to avoid any accidents:
1) Ensure that everyone is wearing their seatbelt properly. Young children in the back should always have a car seat
2) When traveling with friends, assign a designated driver who won’t drink if you have any party pit stops
3) Be a defensive driver, not an offensive one
What to Do if You Get Involved in a Car Accident Over the Holidays
If you get involved in a car accident while traveling for the holidays, you first should check on everyone’s safety. Seek medical attention if anyone is injured.
Then, get as much evidence as you can of the accident. Take photos, get a police report, and exchange information with the other driver.
You can also call a car accident lawyer at the scene of the accident to make things easier for you. Calling a law firm like Adamson Ahdoot after an accident and contacting a lawyer can prove very beneficial. An attorney can help you gather evidence, issue your statement to your insurance company, and liaise with the other driver’s party.
Getting Sick While on Vacation
Another risk when traveling in a different city or country for the holidays is falling ill. Most cities will have a nearby hospital or clinic to treat you if needed.
If you’re abroad, you can contact the U.S. Embassy to ask where you should go for medical attention. But depending on where you are, medical bills can rake up and get costly.
Before leaving for any holiday trip, check with your insurance provider if you and your loved ones are covered while you travel. If you aren’t, consider purchasing short-term medical insurance for the duration of your trip.
Accidental Fires Because of Candles and Ornaments
Many holiday vacation homes are littered with Christmas lights and candles to make the atmosphere more festive. But always remember that December is the peak month for fires due to home candles.
When lighting up Christmas candles or setting up decorations in your holiday accommodation, be extra cautious to avoid fire accidents. Never leave a candle burning for more than an hour. When setting up lights, ensure there aren’t any loose connections or open wires.
Food Poisoning from Foreign Foods
When traveling abroad, you might be exposed to so many unfamiliar dishes and delicacies. Most of these will be fine, but if you eat something your stomach isn’t used to, you can be vulnerable to food poisoning and, consequently, traveler’s diarrhea.
Watch out for contaminated food and drink while on your holiday trip. Keep away from risky foods, such as:
- Raw food, like uncooked fish, greens, and eggs
- Wild game or meats not usually eaten in the US, like rodents and bats
- Street food, especially from vendors with no sanitation permits
Mishaps Can Happen When Traveling over the Holidays
No one ever expects anything bad to happen over the festive holiday celebrations. But it would be in your best interest to always be prepared if something goes wrong.
Be extra careful with fires in December. Always be prepared with insurance if you or a loved one falls ill while traveling over the holidays. And lastly, make sure you know what to do if you find yourself in a road accident during your travel.
If you get involved in a car accident while traveling away from home for the holidays, reach out to your car accident lawyer for help handling your case.
About Carson Derrow
