The Holiday Season Affects Truck Transportation Across the Country, Which May Lead to More Collisions in New Mexico

Our New Mexico truck accident attorneys at the Law Office of Samuel I. Kane, P.A. write about the causes of these collisions often, including road hazards, driver fatigue, distracted driving, and defective tires. As the end of the year approaches, several different factors may increase the causes of these large truck crashes across the country, including the ones that occur in New Mexico.

Factor One: There is More to Transport, Thanks to Increased Holiday Purchases

Each year, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year purchases boost the economy from coast to coast. However, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly decreased in-person shopping and purchases, creating a substantial increase in online shopping, which typically requires shipping.

In 2020, holiday shopping is projected to significantly increase by nearly 36% compared to the previous year. And with over 70% of our country’s goods and materials being shipped via truck, that means not just more truck traffic, but significantly more truck traffic operating in New Mexico and across the country.

Unfortunately, more truck traffic often means more truck accidents.

Factor Two: There Are More Impaired Drivers on Our Roadways

Truck traffic is not the only type of increased driving around the holidays. During the holidays there is an average traffic increase of 35% across all vehicle types.

While the current health crisis has impacted the number of families willing to travel for the holidays, others have settled on taking their cars on long trips instead of faces the potential hazards of crowds, airports, and air travel.

Both truck and passenger vehicle drivers have a dangerous group of motorists to contend with during the holidays — if they are not the negligent parties themselves — as the average number of fatalities involving an alcohol-impaired driver rises nearly 35% during the days between Christmas and the New Year, according to the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Factor Three: US Route 62 Runs Through New Mexico

US 62, the only US Highway that connects the United States and Mexico, runs through New Mexico entirely concurrent with US 180.

The highway continues into the city of Carlsbad then east to Hobbs onto the Texas-New Mexico state line.

This road requires intense concentration and extra care for truck drivers hauling large loads throughout the state.

While there are limitless factors that can lead to truck accidents when the rig is being driven by a negligent truck driver, we advise all motorists to practice driver safety when traveling alongside these much larger and heavier vehicles.

If you have been hurt in a truck accident in New Mexico, contact our New Mexico truck accident attorneys at the Law Office of Samuel I. Kane, P.A. by calling (575) 222-0472 to schedule a free consultation today.