What Holiday has the Most Car Accidents?

What Holiday has the Most Car Accidents?

Orlando Car Accident Lawyer

Holidays are celebrated by Americans across the country. Everyone loves having a day off work, three day weekends, and having designated time to spend with loved ones. However, holidays aren’t always blissful. Holidays are a time of increased accidents. Anyone who has ever driven during a holiday knows how bad traffic can get. Holidays are some of the riskiest days to travel due to busy roads and people driving under-the-influence. Unfortunately, 40% of traffic fatalities during the winter holidays are alcohol-related.

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching. Thousands of Americans travel during Thanksgiving week to celebrate the holiday with family and friends. Thanksgiving road trips often consist of long distance drives, stress, bad traffic and, in some areas, dangerous weather. With an average of 38,000 road fatalities per year in the USA, and the holiday season right around the corner, it is more important than ever to drive safely. 

Which Holiday has the Most Deaths?

In 2019, there were 102 traffic fatalities on U.S. roadways on average every day. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that the average number of deaths rose to 119 per day during holidays. Here are a few of the deadliest holidays:

Thanksgiving 

This holiday honors the Native Americans and pilgrims coming together. It is one of the longest holiday weekends because most people take two days off in addition to the weekend. As with many holidays, drunk driving contributes to fatalities on Thanksgiving. The Wednesday before Turkey Day is often known as “Blackout Wednesday ” and is one of the busiest evenings for nightlife. Thanksgiving traffic is among the heaviest causing stress and road rage across the country. Many college students are also traveling back home during this time which adds cars to the already busy roads. Because many employers do not count Wednesday as a paid holiday, much of the travel that evening and morning is rushed and drivers are often fatigued.

Additionally, Black Friday contributes to high stress driving and congested roadways. Each Thanksgiving there are between 258-513 traffic fatalities in the USA. Thanksgiving Day has a 77% higher risk of fatal drunk driving accidents than the average day of the year. 

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a day to remember the men and women who defended our nation. Warm weather, and a three day weekend are a recipe for disaster in terms of traffic fatalities. During this weekend there is an increase in traffic, drunk driving, running red lights and aggressive driving patterns. These all contribute to a high spike in road fatalities. This holiday weekend alone sees 312 to 473 road fatalities annually, making it one of the deadliest weekends of the year. 42% of those deaths involved alcohol. 

Labor Day  

The purpose of Labor Day is to honor American employees. Due to the fact that many Americans wait until Labor Day to take their final summer vacation, there is more traffic and distracted drivers on the road than normal. To celebrate this holiday, people frequently go to gatherings where alcohol is consumed. More than 10% of all car-related deaths in September 2018 occurred on Labor Day weekend. Labor Day weekend sees 308-445 fatalities each year, with roughly 38% involving alcohol. 

More and more Americans are going on road trips for holidays due to tight budgets and a craving for travel after the pandemic. All of this contributes to traffic jams, road rage and aggressive driving. During the holidays, it’s crucial to avoid distracted, inebriated, or fatigued driving. Being in a car accident and getting injured causes a lot of stress. If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a car accident, contact a personal injury lawyer to help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Car Accident Lawyer Near Me

Being in a car accident is a scary situation that can leave you feeling unsure what to do next. If you have been in a car accident, Orlando personal injury lawyer Todd Miner can help you seek justice and fair compensation. To discuss how we can help you, contact us today.

Categories