The holiday season is one of the busiest times for travel during the year. Millions of people embark on journeys to visit relatives and take vacations.

Because of how congested the interstates and highways are this time of year, an increased risk of being in an accident exists for motorists. You can be safe during the holidays by knowing when is the best time to travel.

Leave for Your Destination Early

If at all possible, you should try to leave on your holiday journey several days before the holiday actually arrives. Departing two or three days ahead of time can spare you from having to drive in congested traffic. It also minimizes the risk of you being in a holiday traffic accident.

If you cannot leave two or three days ahead of time, you may want to try to leave home as early as possible in the morning. More people depart home and make plans for traveling during the afternoon and evening hours. The early morning hours are often less busy in terms of traffic on the highways and interstates.

Depending on your schedule, you might also consider driving overnight rather than during the daytime hours. Most travelers prefer to drive during the daytime. When you travel overnight, you avoid traffic congestion and minimize the risk of being in a car accident with another motorist.

Traveling on the Holiday

When your schedule will not permit you to leave several days in advance or depart home during the early morning or overnight hours, you may have no choice but to drive on the holiday itself. You can still avoid being in an accident on the holiday by leaving as early as possible and by planning out your route in advance.

Depending on the holiday, you might actually encounter less traffic than if you were to travel the prior day. By the time the holiday arrives, many drivers will already have arrived at their destinations. Traffic conditions may be less congested and less dangerous in which for you to drive.

If you do end up in a holiday traffic accident, you have legal rights you can pursue. You can hire an experienced lawyer to represent you.