Easter weekend is a time when families get together to enjoy celebrations, egg hunts, and other festivities in and around Albuquerque. However, it’s also a time when the city witnesses an increase in the number of road accidents. Understanding the reasons why someone might get in an Albuquerque Easter car accident will not only keep you safe but also help you protect your loved ones while traveling during this period. That’s why the Albuquerque car accident attorneys at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys are here with this guide to help you protect your family.
Understanding Easter Weekend in Albuquerque
Easter weekend is one of the busiest weekends in the US. Some of the major roads in and around Albuquerque that experience increased traffic during this time include I-25, I-40, Paseo del Norte, and Coors Boulevard. Popular locations for Easter celebrations include Balloon Fiesta Park for Easter egg hunts, Old Town for Easter celebrations, and Sandia Peak Tramway for sightseeing.
Why the Risk for AccidentS Is High
Several factors contribute to the relatively high number of car accidents that we see in Albuquerque this time of year.
Increased Traffic Volume
With increased traffic volume, there are more opportunities for accidents to happen due to complex road maneuvers, speeding, and other factors. Crash rates are directly related to traffic density, which makes roads on Easter weekend more hazardous than on any ordinary day of the week.
Unfamiliar Drivers and Routes
Easter brings in drivers from all over the country who are unaware of the road conditions in our city. Some drivers may take wrong turns, make unsafe lane changes that lead to sideswipes, or may be hesitant in their driving, especially where Interstate 25 and Interstate 40 intersect. The unfamiliarity with road conditions, speed limits, and road etiquette makes situations on the road unpredictable.
Distracted and Rushed Drivers
The pressure to get everything done during the holiday season makes drivers take unnecessary risks on the road. Parents trying to manage their children, Easter baskets, and GPS devices are distracted, commonly leading to accidents. Holiday shoppers rushing from store to store to finish their holiday errands are often aggressive drivers, speeding from one store to another, cutting lanes, and tailgating.
Impaired Driving Increases
During Easter weekend, there may be an increase in the amount of drinking going on at brunches, family gatherings, and other social events. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), impaired driving increases during major holidays. In New Mexico, which already has problems with DWI, Easter weekend sees an increase in drunk driving, particularly on Saturday night and Sunday evening.
Common Causes of Easter Traffic Accidents in Albuquerque
While sideswipes are common during Easter weekend, they’re far from the only accident type we’ve seen and helped with over the years. Some other types include:
Rear-End Collisions
There is always a risk of rear-end collisions while driving on Easter weekend in Albuquerque due to stop-and-go traffic. A distracted driver might not see the brake lights of the vehicle in front of them and rear-end them. This type of accident can cause whiplash.
Intersection Accidents
The intersections in Albuquerque are already quite busy on Easter weekend, and drivers who are trying to get to their destinations on time may run red lights or try to beat the yellow light. This type of accident occurs when drivers misjudge the gaps in traffic and attempt to make a right turn, resulting in a T-bone accident.
Parking Lot Incidents
Easter weekend also means crowded streets and parking areas, which are filled with drivers competing for limited parking spots, backing out with limited visibility, and speeding through parking areas in search of an available spot.
Best Safety Practices to Avoid an Albuquerque Easter Car Accident
The best way to ensure safety during Easter weekend in Albuquerque is to follow these steps:
- Plan your travel: Avoid traveling during the busiest times. Sunday church services and Sunday evening travel are particularly hazardous during Easter weekend. Consider going to an early or late church service, or going on Thursday or Friday instead of Saturday.
- Increase your following distance: Increasing your following distance from the vehicle in front of you from the standard two seconds to three or four seconds can reduce your chances of getting in an accident.
- Eliminate distractions: This includes keeping your phone off while driving and setting your GPS before you start your journey. You can also ask your passengers for help with directions while driving.
- Drive defensively: Be cautious of drivers who may not see you or who are driving erratically.
- Don’t drive while impaired: Avoid drinking during your Easter celebrations if you plan on driving. New Mexico has very strict laws against driving while impaired, which not only puts your life at risk but also leads to severe consequences.
- Be cautious while driving in parking lots: Be cautious of pedestrians, especially children, while driving in parking lots. This also includes using your cameras and side mirrors while backing out.
- Keep your car in good condition: Check your tires, brakes, and lights before heading out for holiday celebrations.
What to Do If You Have an Albuquerque Easter Car Accident
While accidents can happen even with the best of planning, if you find yourself in a collision this Easter weekend in Albuquerque, here’s what you should do:
- Safety First: If it is safe for you to do so, move your vehicle to a safe location. Turn on your hazard lights and check all occupants for injuries.
- Call 911: Report your accident to the Albuquerque Police Department or New Mexico State Police if your accident occurred on a highway. Ask for medical assistance if anyone is injured, even if the injuries seem minor.
- Documentation: Take pictures of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic lights, and the general scene of the accident. Also, exchange your insurance and contact information with the driver of the other vehicle. Note down the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
- Medical Treatment: Visit your local ER or urgent care facility, even if you don’t feel hurt. Injuries may not always manifest right away, and your medical records will prove useful for insurance claims.
- Consult a Seasoned Albuquerque Easter Car Accident Attorney: Insurance companies are notorious for paying out minimal claims, especially during holiday weekends. A competent New Mexico personal injury lawyer will ensure your rights are well protected.
Helping Your Family after an Albuquerque Easter Car Accident
While accidents can happen anywhere and at any time, by following the tips above, you can minimize your chances of getting into an Albuquerque Easter car accident. But if you do get injured in a wreck this holiday weekend, Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys is here to help.
Over the years, we’ve been able to recover billions for our clients nationwide, and our no-win, no-fee promise means you can rest easy knowing that you will only ever pay if we win your case. To speak to a member of our team right away, give us a call, fill out a contact form, or use our convenient LiveChat service now.
The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.