The holiday season is approaching. It is time to be extra cautious as holiday traffic, hazardous road conditions, and drunk drivers leaving holiday parties will begin to increase. In addition, pay extra attention when pulling in and out of a parking garage or parking lot, because failing to do so may result in death or serious injuries to those around you.

According to the National Safety Council, each year, more than 50,000 crashes happen in parking garages and parking lots that result in approximately 60,000 injuries and 500 deaths. According to the study, one of the main contributors to these accidents is distracted driving. The National Safety Council president said, "It's just as dangerous to be distracted in a parking lot going five miles per hour as it is going fifty miles per hour." According to a survey, drivers engage in more risky behavior while driving through a parking lot or parking garage than driving on the road. This behavior includes video chatting, texting, watching video clips, or even checking social media apps.

In sum, distracted driving results in fatal crashes. Driving at a decreased speed through a parking lot or parking garage does not eliminate the possibility of crashing into another vehicle, motorcyclist, bicyclist, or pedestrian. The last thing on a person's holiday to-do list should be injuring another because of being distracted while operating a motor vehicle. Drivers have a duty to keep those around them safe from injury. To ensure the safety of others, drivers must be aware of their surroundings, maintain safe speeds in accordance with the law, and not engage in risky or hazardous behaviors.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from an automobile accident, contact a New York personal injury attorney who is experienced in handling these matters.