LEXINGTON COUNTY (WACH) -- Navigating the month of December can be deadly if you are not careful.
Just ask Johnny Baxley, a Midlands cab driver for 30 years.
"You see people in their vehicles screaming, hollering, and giving hand gestures. Its stuff you don’t want to see, but it happens every year,” Baxley says.
In the days leading up to Christmas, Baxley sees more motorists involved in fender benders.
“We won’t see the worse of it till the week of December 18th through 25th,” Baxley adds.
Baxley's experience on the road has taught him how to drive defensively, but not everyone is as fortunate.
According to South Carolina Highway Patrol, more than 20 people were killed in collisions in December 2009.
“Any time you get behind the wheel of your car, especially in traffic congested areas, remain calm and understand that everybody is trying to do the same thing, which is to get to one place to the next,” says Cpl. Paul Brouthers with the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
Drivers can never be too careful in and around parking lots either. Authorities say patience is key to avoid spending a lot more than you bargained for.
Motorists are reminded to plan for delays, stay alert and follow the rules of the road.
As for Baxley, getting safely from point A to point B is all in a days work.
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