
One of the biggest sporting events of the year is gearing up and many football fans will drive across the country to witness the football championship in New Orleans. The game will draw a lot of visitors to the city. While some of them will be locals, many of them are travelers entering New Orleans for the very first time. Residents and visitors entering the city should be highly aware of the unique dangers that come with this one-in-a-lifetime event.
Here is what you should know:
Dangers during the game
Like many football games, the championship game is likely to draw in tens of thousands of fans, media reporters and event staffing. The game is likely to happen around a variety of festivals, concerts and fan gatherings leading up to and after the event. With so many people, road closures and pedestrian zones, it is likely the roads and parking spaces will be congested. New Orleans may be known for its vibrant culture, but it is also known for its compact layout, which will likely only make traffic even more difficult to navigate.
Here are some common traffic dangers to watch for during the big game:
- Distracted driving: Drivers may be more attentive to the events that are happening around them than the road ahead of them.
- Impaired driving: Drivers may be leaving events that serve alcohol, which can impair their driving abilities.
- Pedestrian hazards: Pedestrians may freely cross the street amongst traffic outside of designated crosswalks and into dangerous situations.
- Aggression: Drivers may become aggressive due to traffic jams and game results leading to tailgating and speeding.
- Unfamiliar drivers: Drivers from out of town may be unfamiliar with city layouts, leading to erratic behaviors and frequent stops.
A driving accident during this event could have devastating consequences. It may be important to stay informed. If you are going to the football game, there are a few ways you can prepare:
- Know your route: It may help you to know where you are going before you begin your trip to the big game. You may need to watch for road closures and accidents along your route.
- Use public transport: You may be able to avoid serious dangers by taking a bus where you need to go.
- Walk or bike: If the place you are staying is within walking distance from the action, you may want to consider walking to avoid traffic.
An injury during or after the game could ruin the entire experience. It is important to prioritize your safety. If you are in an accident, you may need to learn about your legal rights.