Interestingly, on days that elections take place, driving accidents go up as well. While some people think this is due to drink driving, with people either celebrating their victory or drowning their sorrows, the police have now confirmed that it is actually down to them being in a hurry to get to the polling stations. The Monday before the elections, which take place on Tuesdays, police ready themselves along each popular route, making sure that people are safe. Yet despite those preparations, there continues to be an 18% increase in the chance of death when driving. For Christopher Halajian, this is something every town should be aware of, so that they can better prepare and protect the community.
Christopher Halajian on Voting Day Driving
Halajian has concentrated on the Southold and Mattiuck, NY, looking at each estate in those areas. He has found that, regardless of how many candidates were standing, and regardless of how intense the campaign has been, accident rates go up. This is particularly notable if elections take place during the time of year when it gets dark early.
He wants to make sure, therefore, that people are properly prepared if they drive on election day. This means that they should start by planning their journey properly, so they already know the route they will take to their polling station. There are lots of ways to find a polling station, although you should have already received a notification. Alternatively, the information should be available in local newspaper, as well as online.
Secondly, Halajian wants to implore people to not be in a hurry. There are always people in a rush on the roads, and this increases on election day. Instead of joining in that rat race, drivers should simply take their time. They should also not get impatient if they don’t instantly find a parking place. If it means parking slightly farther away, you will be able to get a little bit of exercise. You will be able to get to your election center eventually.
Statistically speaking, election day is a bad day to be on the road. Hence, you need to make sure that you are more aware than normal about the safe driving practices. Make sure you stick to the speed limit and that you don’t swerve. Pay attention to your surroundings and make sure your seat belt is on. Furthermore, remember that when you get to the election center, there will be quite a lot of pedestrians, made up of those who, like you, had to park quite far away, and those who simply decided to walk. There is a significant increase in the number of pedestrians involved in vehicular accidents on election day as well, and you should make sure that you do not become part of that statistic.
Hopefully, these hints and tips will enable you to be completely safe on the roads come election day. Use your common sense and take your time, and you should be fine.