5 Common Traffic Violations During the Holiday Season

 Posted on December 13, 2023 in Uncategorized

The holiday season is usually a time of joy, but some people’s celebrations can be affected by the need to deal with traffic tickets. With more people traveling to visit family and friends, attending parties, and shopping for gifts, there are often more cars on the road and more opportunities for traffic violations to occur. Tickets can cause financial difficulties, especially for people who already need to stretch their budgets when buying gifts, and in some cases, they can lead to additional problems due to license suspension. When defending against traffic violations, an experienced attorney can help determine the best course of action that will prevent long-lasting consequences.

Some of the most common traffic violations that take place during the holidays include:

Speeding

Many of the most common traffic violations during the holiday season involve excessive speeds. Many drivers are in a rush to get to their destinations or complete their holiday errands, leading them to exceed the speed limits. Speeding can put a driver at risk of losing control of their vehicle, but it also endangers other motorists on the road, especially during periods of heavy traffic. People who are driving in unfamiliar areas when taking trips to visit family or go shopping may be unaware of the posted speed limits, and they may end up being ticketed without realizing that they had committed a violation.

Distracted Driving

In today's digital age, distracted driving has become a significant concern year-round. However, during the holidays, many people are busy texting loved ones or using GPS apps to navigate through unfamiliar areas. Because the failure to fully pay attention to the road can be very dangerous, police officers will be on the lookout for people who use phones or other devices while driving, and they will be more likely to issue tickets for texting while driving or similar offenses.

Drunk Driving

The holiday season is notorious for an increase in drunk driving incidents. Festive gatherings often involve alcohol consumption, which unfortunately leads some people to make poor decisions by getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. Drunk driving poses a severe threat to people who engage in this dangerous behavior, the passengers in their vehicles, and others who share the roads with them. Since police will be watching for possible intoxicated driving, they may pull over anyone who seems to be suspicious, and they may perform arrests for DUI.

Running Red Lights

Rushing from one place to another during busy holiday times may tempt some drivers to run red lights instead of waiting patiently at intersections. Disobeying traffic signals can be extremely hazardous, as it increases the risks of collisions with vehicles crossing from other directions or pedestrians who are crossing the street. These actions may lead to traffic tickets issued by police officers or automated camera systems.

Tailgating

During the holiday season, traffic congestion can be more prevalent due to increased shopping and events, as well as more people traveling to celebrations with friends and family. Higher levels of congestion may cause traffic to slow down considerably, leading to frustration for people who are trying to get to their destinations on time. Drivers who become impatient with heavy traffic or slow-moving vehicles may follow too closely behind other cars. Tailgating reduces reaction time and increases the risk of rear-end collisions, and drivers who engage in this behavior could be pulled over by police officers and ticketed for traffic violations.

Contact Our Will County Traffic Violation Defense Attorney

Traffic tickets can be a nuisance, but in some cases, they can lead to the risk of license suspension. In Illinois, three or more traffic violations within a single year will lead to the temporary loss of a driver’s license, and the length of the suspension will be based on the total number of points that have been added to a person’s driving record. More serious violations carry more points, and suspensions may last three months, six months, or longer.

Because of the risks of license suspension, it may be necessary to fight against a traffic ticket. At the Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, P.C., we understand that even minor violations can have significant consequences on your driving record and insurance rates, and our Joliet traffic ticket defense lawyer is here to help you avoid these penalties and minimize the effects they may have on you and your family. Contact us today at 815-740-4025 to get the legal help you need as you contest a traffic violation.