The holiday season is here. Everyone is getting involved in the hustle and bustle that comes along with the season. Planning holiday gatherings and thinking about gift lists becomes a priority for many people. Some may not realize that all this planning could lead to car crashes.

Drivers must have their minds on driving safely. When they’re thinking of something else, it’s known as a cognitive distraction. Getting lost in thought for any reason can make it more difficult to operate a motor vehicle appropriately.

How else might holiday planning lead to crashes?

Some people taking care of holiday plans might not limit themselves to only thinking about them. They may try to write out lists or send messages about their plans while driving. These are also distractions because they can take the person’s eyes off the road, which is a visual distraction, and their hands off the steering wheel, which is a manual distraction.

Ultimately, holiday planning is best handled when you aren’t driving. Even for someone who’s good at multitasking, trying to do this while driving can be fatal. Nine lives are claimed daily in this country due to distracted driving, and each of those deaths could have been prevented if the drivers involved had focused solely on driving.

Anyone injured in a car wreck should ensure they receive medical attention for any injuries. They may opt to claim compensation for the damages related to the crash. This can include medical expenses and missed wages, among others. Laws in Colorado set time limits for filing personal injury claims. Working with someone familiar with these matters can help ensure you get things handled properly.