Holiday Traffic: Congested Roads, Road Rage, and Car Crashes

December 20, 2019

By Rudenberg & Glasser, P.A.

The holiday season is just around the corner! For many families across the county, this means packing up the car and hitting the road to visit loved ones for this special time of the year. In fact, statistics from the Bureau of Transportation show that 91% of long-distance holiday travel in the U.S. is done by car.

Unfortunately, while this time of year is meant to be joyful and relaxing, there is also a spike in car accidents during the holiday season.

Holiday Car Accident Statistics

We pulled a list of statistics showing the prominence of car accidents during the month of December:

In 2016, 781 people lost their lives in drunk-driving-related crashes in the month of December alone.
Nationally, over the past 5 years, an average of 300 people died in drunk driving crashes the week between Christmas and New Year.
An average of 343 people die in traffic collisions each year during the three-day Christmas holiday period.
An average of 373 people die in traffic collisions each year over the three-day New Year holiday.

Causes of Accidents During this Time

There are several reasons why the number of car accidents increases during this time of the year:

Congestion

Travel increases by 23% during the Christmas/New Year’s holiday period, which means there will be more vehicles on the road. This can lead to congested roads and more frequently-occurring car collisions.

Drunk Driving

Drinking and driving is common during this time of year, as many people celebrate at holiday parties with alcoholic beverages.

Distracted Driving

Cell phones can be a major distraction during the holidays, as drivers are also trying to double-check holiday plans and navigate the roads.

Stress

This time of year can be stressful for many Americans who are traveling to buy decorations, gifts, and good. This can lead to an increase in driver fatigue as well as road rage and other negligent driving behaviors.

Armed with the information provided above, we hope you and your family make the most of your holidays and stay safe while traveling. If you or a loved one is injured in an accident during the holiday season, remember that our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys are here to fight hard for your financial recovery.

Contact Rudenberg & Glasser at (954) 543-1788 to schedule your free consultation with our firm.

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Our Victories

Not Guilty, Acquitted at Trial Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon

Outcome: Client was alleged to have used his vehicle to strike victim, and there was video of the incident which could have been interpreted to actually show the crime. The state was offering significant prison time before trial. By meticulous planning and strategic cross-examination to expose the motives and fabrications by the alleged victim, and an eyewitness in support of the alleged victim, Rudenberg & Glasser convinced a jury to acquit the client and avoid a mandatory long prison sentence.
Domestic Violence
Outcome: Rudenberg & Glasser went to trial and were able to show during cross-examination that the alleged victim was the aggressor and that the client acted in self-defense. The jury returned a not guilty verdict almost immediately following trial.
Domestic Violence With 911 Call and Pictures
Outcome: Rudenberg & Glasser took the case to trial after fleshing out inconsistencies in the alleged victim's account. The jury returned a verdict of not guilty and the client's unblemished record was preserved.
False Arrest

Outcome: Attorney Glasser was able to show with video footage that his client did not commit the alleged offense and furthermore, the police officer who ordered his arrest was negligent in his investigation and improperly supervised.

Read more about this story on the Sun Sentinel.
Probation Only Federal Conspiracy to Commit Mail & Wire Fraud

Outcome: Through compelling sentencing memorandum and passionate oral argument, Rudenberg & Glasser were able to convince the federal court judge to sentence their client to treatment for substance abuse, and no incarceration, even though the client had a lengthy criminal history and the Government was seeking prison time.
Felony DUI: Client was in an Accident and Left the Scene
Outcome: Rudenberg & Glasser filed a compelling motion to suppress evidence based on law enforcement's actions during the investigation. Rudenberg & Glasser were able to persuade the prosecutor prior to the motion to suppress hearing that the charge should be broken down from a felony to a misdemeanor and the client was offered probation instead of the previously sought prison sentence.
Final Injunction Hearing
Outcome: Client desperately needed to avoid a final injunction on his record. Rudenberg & Glasser defended him at the hearing and proved that the Petitioner was not in fear for her safety. The judge dismissed the injunction.
First-Degree Misdemeanor: Resisting Police Officer Without Violence
Outcome: Mr. Rudenberg presented evidence that the police officer’s version of events was not credible, and that accusations were made to justify excessive use of force by police officer. Jury returned a verdict of not guilty in less than five minutes.
First-Degree Misdemeanors: DUI & Possession of Cannabis
Outcome: Mr. Rudenberg won a motion arguing the DUI checkpoint was conducted in violation of the Fourth Amendment, and the Judge entered an order suppressing all evidence. Case was dropped by the State, and client avoided a mandatory conviction for DUI, as well as mandatory fines and license suspensions.
$250,000 Pre-Trial Personal Injury

Outcome: Client was injured by a malfunctioning door, requiring stitches and leaving a scar on client's knee. There were limited medical bills and no surgeries, but through extremely challenging and successful negotiations, Rudenberg & Glasser were able to secure a settlement of $250,000.

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