Most Dangerous Holidays to be on The Road

As the children head back to school, adults realize the holiday season is approaching. With the advent of the holiday season, comes a rise in traffic and accidents on the road. Recent studies confirm what travelers have always known – holidays are among the most dangerous times to be on the road.

During the holidays, increased traffic, along with travelers driving in unfamiliar areas, and driving while tired or under the influence, means higher accident and fatality rates around holidays. Let’s explore the most dangerous holidays to be on the road, as well as ways to drive safer and smarter should you find yourself traveling during the upcoming holiday seasons.

The Most Dangerous Holidays to Drive

Studies show that holidays, in general, denote a nearly 35 percent increase in car accidents, with fatalities increased to nearly 40 percent. The two most dangerous travel holidays are Thanksgiving (100 percent increase in accidents) and New Year’s Day (95 percent increase in accidents).

1. On Thanksgiving, most families travel the day before after work. They are typically tired and rushing after work, or on Thursday when they are rushed, distracted, and stressed trying to arrive at their destination on time.
2. New Year’s Day means New Year’s Eve revelers who have been drinking, eating, and celebrating until early morning are on the road, increasing alcohol-related accidents.
3. Independence Day (aka 4^th of July) when drinking, driving, and accidents go hand in hand.
4. Majority of accidents happen on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, particularly when the holiday falls on a weekend.
5. Memorial Day when everyone prepares for the start of summer and the season ahead.
6. Labor Day is known for when many celebrate the summer’s last hurrah.
7. Finally, Halloween where accidents and injuries involving children increase.

Driving Safely During the Holidays

Keep everyone safe during the holidays, and avoid becoming a holiday accident statistic with these easy to follow tips:

• Don’t Drink and Drive. This is one everyone should know and adhere to all year long, not only during the holidays. A drink or two, while keeping you below the legal limit, immediately doubles your risk of being involved in a car accident. When you reach the legal limit, your risk triples, and should you exceed the limit, your risk continues to rise accordingly. If you know you will be drinking during the holidays, make sure to plan car rides.
• Plan Ahead. Don’t rush but allow yourself plenty of time to arrive at your destination. Feeling rushed or stressed about being late to the party, may encourage you to drive faster and not be as cautious as you normally would. Try to avoid the busiest travel days – the day before Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
• Be Well Rested and Alert. Driving sleepy or distracted means a greater risk of a collision. And finally, have a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle, including flares, lights, jumper cables, water, phone charger, etc.

If You’ve Been Hurt

If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident due to holiday traffic or any other roadway incident, contact the car accident attorneys at David W. Singer & Associates, P.A. to get the help you need. We are here to ensure you get the justice you deserve.