Driving your car on busy Tennessee highways makes you vulnerable to the actions of other drivers. With one misguided action, another driver’s vehicle can crash into your car. On most days, your chances of getting into an accident are not abnormally high. However, during certain times of the year, the highways in Tennessee become more dangerous. This happens because there is an increase in the number of cars on the roads. With more cars on the highways, navigating through the highways of Tennessee becomes a risky proposition.
If you want to increase your chances of being safe on the highways, there are times you need to be extra careful on the highway. Here is a list of the most dangerous times of the year on highways.
New Year’s Eve/ New Year’s Day
As the new year approaches, it is a time to celebrate the promise of another year. Unfortunately, some people celebrate too much with various substances and drive their cars. As a result, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are the second most dangerous times of the year on Tennessee highways.
In fact, each year approximately 140 people will die as a result of an automobile accident on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. These deaths are likely caused by inclement weather and intoxication.
Thanksgiving
It might be surprising for you to learn that Thanksgiving is the third most dangerous time of the year to drive on Tennessee highways. According to the National Safety Council, more than 46 million cars travel on the highways during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. This elevation in traffic volume is the cause of increase in traffic accidents.
August
Many people are not aware of the dangers lurking on the highways during the month of August. The National Highway Safety and Traffic Administration has officially declared August as the most dangerous month of the year to drive on the highways.
Road traffic increases because of last-minute vacation travel. People are more relaxed, and they might not be as vigilant on the highways. Another reason is people go to barbecues and consume a lot of alcohol before they drive home.
Winter Season
As it gets colder, the weather begins to change. Precipitation such as ice, fog and snow increase. Many drivers do not know how to safely maneuver their cars when inclement weather is present. One of the most dangerous days of the winter season is the first day of snow. Drivers are more likely to get into fender-benders or slide into other cars on the highway.
How to Be Safe on Highways
Although you cannot control other cars on the Tennessee highways, there are certain things you can do to increase your chances of arriving to your destination safely.
It is possible for you to take precautions to make the roads safer. If drivers maintain safety standards as they are driving, the highways can be a safer place.