Unfortunately, this time of year means that more people are hitting the road than at any other time and this could put you at risk of being involved in a vehicle accident. Whether it’s simply more vehicles on the road, adverse weather conditions or driving in an unfamiliar area in congested traffic; all of these factors can contribute towards a greater likelihood for an accident that leads to injuries and serious property damage. A holiday accident can leave you suffering through a difficult time of the year and anything you can do to avoid being in one is recommended.

Follow these tips to drive safely. First of all, never get behind the wheel buzzed or drunk. If you consume any alcohol at an office party or at a friend’s house, make sure you have a contingency plan for how to get home. Using a sober designated driver, public transportation or calling a taxi are all recommended. It is even more important that you avoid speeding behavior during the holidays even in the event that you are pressed for time.

You can lose control of your car very quickly when you are speeding and you may have a reduced ability to react and avoid crashes in the first place. If you are tired, make sure to pull over and take a nap or to avoid driving if possible. Map out a safe trip and never over extend yourself to drive far too long of a distance in any one stretch. The longer you are on the road, the more likely you are to be driving drowsy. Driving while you are affected by drowsiness and fatigue can be just as dangerous as driving while impaired by alcohol, so it is better to avoid this behavior completely. If you have already been involved in a holiday accident, make sure to get help as soon as possible.