Like any other holiday, the Christmas season brings an increased chance of that Alabamians will be involved in a car accident. Statistics show that accidents during the Christmas season, like other holidays, are often linked to drunk driving. In fact, the NHTSA estimates that roughly 35% of all Christmas-time motor vehicle collisions are alcohol related.
However, unlike other holiday-related accidents, alcohol is not the primary cause of car wrecks during the Christmas season. Instead, congested traffic and motorists' unfamiliarity with particular highways and roadways are the leading causes of December motor vehicle accidents.
In Birmingham, holiday traffic is most congested, and therefore motorists are more at risk, on roadways near shopping centers and malls. Thus, drivers should consider detours to avoid such areas if possible. Congested and hazardous areas around Birmingham include:
- Highway 280 and Interstate 459 near The Summit in Birmingham
- Highway 11 and Interstate 59 near the Pinnacle in Trussville
- Highway 31 and John Hopkins Parkway near the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover
- Shades Creek Parkway and Hwy 280 near Brookwood Village in Homewood
- Bankhead Highway and Interstate 20 near The Shops at Grand River in Leeds
- Walkers Chapel Road and Interstate 65 near Colonial Promenade in Fultondale
Since motor vehicle accidents frequently occur near these Birmingham area shopping centers, drivers should proceed with extra caution in these areas. Rear-end accidents and illegal lane change collisions are extremely common in such stop-and-go areas. Therefore, be sure to allow for adequate stopping time and frequently check your rear-view mirrors for surrounding vehicles.
Should you sustain an injury in a collision, seek the advice of an Alabama personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries and property damage caused by the negligence of another driver.
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