Posted: 12/29/2014
Whether it’s making a “happy holidays” phone call from behind the wheel, rushing to the next party or indulging in some rum eggnog prior to hitting the road, Parkland Health & Hospital System physicians warn travelers to be careful this holiday season.
Driving when you’re tired, impaired or distracted is always dangerous but add in the end of Daylight Savings Time, low visibility, the potential for wet or icy conditions and the pressures that come with the holiday season and this may be one of the most dangerous times to be on the road
“That’s why it’s important to stop and rest before you head out, minimize distractions inside the vehicle and slow down—especially if you’re traveling after sunset,” said Alex Eastman, MD, Parkland’s Interim Trauma Medical Director. “When it’s dark you can’t tell if you’re driving on a dry road or if you’re coming up on black ice. Too many times people are in a hurry and instead of attending a holiday party they’re making an unplanned trip to the trauma center.”
During the last year’s holiday season, Nov. 1, 2013 thru Jan. 2, 2014, 415 patients were treated in Parkland’s emergency department as a result of a car or motorcycle crash.
“Although we don’t know the exact cause of each crash, the sheer number of visits would validate that either the weather conditions were bad, the drivers were impaired or distracted or both,” Dr. Eastman said. “Especially during the holiday season we see a lot of patients who were thinking of the list of items they need to get done rather than concentrating on the task at hand, which is getting to their destination safely.”
As a trauma surgeon Dr. Eastman has witnessed first-hand the results of a distracted driver. “In just that split second, lives can be changed forever or even lost,” he said, noting that a majority of the crashes may have been prevented.
Doug Horn, who founded the driving safety program, “Drive by Example,” states that the four most dangerous holiday driving hazards include: distracted driving, impaired driving, pressured driving and fatigued driving.
“The winter holidays typically bring with them increased pressures, especially financial pressures and the stress created by trying to do too much in a short time span. Drivers often react to these pressures by driving too fast for conditions, making aggressive lane changes, failing to yield right-of-way, and generally disregarding the needs and safety of others using the road,” Horn stressed.
So that you don’t become a statistic, the AAA has some simple tips to help make the drive a smooth one.
- Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained. If maintenance is not up to date, have your car and tires inspected before you take a long drive.
- Map your route in advance and be prepared for busy roads during the most popular times of the year. If possible, consider leaving earlier or later to avoid heavy traffic.
- Have roadside assistance contact information on hand, in case an incident occurs on the road.
- In case of an emergency, keep a cell phone and charger with you at all times. Many companies offer smartphone applications that enable motorists to request help without making a phone call.
“Having a safe holiday season is what we want for everyone,” Dr. Eastman said. “But the Trauma Center at Parkland always stands ready for those who need our services.”