Keep Your Holidays Merry & Bright With Safe Travel Practices in New Orleans & Louisiana
The holiday season brings joy, celebration, and time with loved ones across New Orleans and throughout Louisiana. It also brings heavier traffic, crowded roads, and unpredictable winter weather. These conditions significantly increase the risk of car accidents and personal injuries on Louisiana roadways.
Whether you’re driving through New Orleans, commuting across Jefferson Parish, or traveling on Louisiana highways to visit family, staying alert on the road is essential. Understanding common holiday driving risks can help protect you and your loved ones.
Below, we explain why car accidents increase during the holidays in Louisiana, how to reduce your risk, and what to do if a crash happens.
Why Car Accidents Increase During the Holiday Season in Louisiana
Increased Traffic in New Orleans and Surrounding Areas
More people travel during the holidays than any other time of year. According to AAA, nearly 100 million people travel nationwide, and many Louisiana residents choose to drive. In New Orleans, increased tourism, events, and holiday travel create congestion on major roads like I-10, I-610, and surface streets throughout Orleans and Jefferson Parishes.
Hazardous Weather Conditions in Louisiana
While Louisiana winters are mild, rain, fog, and occasional freezing temperatures can make roads slippery and reduce visibility. Wet roadways in New Orleans and Southeast Louisiana are a common cause of holiday-season crashes.
Holiday Stress and Distracted Driving
Holiday shopping, travel planning, and packed schedules create stress for many Louisiana drivers. Distractions such as texting, adjusting navigation apps, or multitasking behind the wheel increase the likelihood of accidents.
Impaired Driving During Holiday Celebrations
Holiday celebrations often involve alcohol, especially in New Orleans, where events and festivities are common. Impaired driving rates increase during this time, putting drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists at risk across Louisiana.
Driver Fatigue on Long Louisiana Road Trips
Many drivers travel long distances across Louisiana to visit family or attend events. Fatigue slows reaction times and affects judgment, increasing the risk of serious car accidents.
Tips to Stay Safe on Louisiana Roads During the Holidays
You can’t control traffic or weather, but you can take steps to reduce your risk while driving in New Orleans and across Louisiana:
Plan Ahead
Allow extra time for traffic and road delays, especially when traveling through busy New Orleans corridors or interstate highways.
Stay Focused
Put your phone away and set your GPS before driving. Ask passengers to help with directions when navigating unfamiliar Louisiana roads.
Avoid Impaired Driving
If you plan to drink, use a designated driver or rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. This is especially important during holiday events in New Orleans.
Check Weather and Road Conditions
Monitor local Louisiana weather reports before traveling. Keep your vehicle prepared with proper tires, working wipers, and an emergency kit.
Rest When Needed
If you’re driving long distances across Louisiana, take regular breaks. Fatigue-related accidents are preventable with proper rest.
Drive Defensively
Maintain safe following distances, particularly in rain or heavy traffic. Defensive driving helps reduce the risk of collisions on busy Louisiana roads.
What to Do After a Holiday Car Accident in New Orleans or Louisiana
If you’re involved in a car accident during the holidays, take the following steps:
Check for Injuries and Call 911
Check everyone involved and call emergency services immediately if there are injuries. Reporting the accident helps document the incident.
Exchange Information
Collect names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information. If the crash occurs in New Orleans or another Louisiana city, this information is critical for your claim.
Document the Scene
Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and traffic signs. This documentation can support insurance and legal claims.
Avoid Admitting Fault
Do not admit responsibility at the scene. Allow Louisiana law enforcement and insurance companies to determine fault.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident promptly and provide accurate details, including any police reports.
Consider Legal Guidance
If you were injured in a New Orleans or Louisiana car accident, a local personal injury attorney can help protect your rights and pursue compensation.
Stay Safe on Louisiana Roads This Holiday Season
The holidays should be a time of celebration, not recovery. By staying informed and practicing safe driving habits, you can reduce your risk of injury while traveling in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana.
The best gift you can give yourself and your loved ones this holiday season is safety.
