The holidays should be a time of joy and celebration, but all too often, the most wonderful time of the year can turn deadly. Christmas accidents, car crashes when someone overindulges at a 4th of July cookout, or even Thanksgiving food poisoning accidents can spell tragedy for many. If you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s negligence on one of the most dangerous holidays, we can help. You may have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
What Are the Most Dangerous Days to Drive?
The National Safety Council (NSC) notes that many traffic deaths are preventable. Driving fatigued or after drinking are two main causes of preventable accidents. The NSC reports that Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July are two of the most dangerous holidays on the roads. Long drives to see family on Thanksgiving or driving home after a day and evening spent celebrating the nation’s birth may mean more drowsy drivers on the roads.
Did you know that drowsy driving can be almost as dangerous as drunk driving? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 684 people died because of drowsy driving in 2021. If you plan to drive for a long time, make sure you get enough sleep the night before. Consider making frequent stops or changing drivers if possible. If you know that you’re going to be drinking, use a rideshare service or have a designated driver.
What Holidays Are Most Dangerous?
What holiday is the deadliest traffic day? There are six days that are the most dangerous of the year, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). It provides some shocking holiday accident statistics, which we’ve listed below:
- July 4th. Drinking and driving accidents are much more likely on this day than just about any other. Long days of outdoor barbecuing, going to the pool or lake, or otherwise being outside in the sun tend to make the effects of alcohol more pronounced. Many people celebrate Independence Day with alcohol, and not everyone drives responsibly. In a recent year, there were almost 58,000 serious injuries and nearly 540 fatalities on the 4th of July.
- Thanksgiving. Not everyone has the day before Thanksgiving off work, so the morning of the holiday is often rushed, and roads are filled with drivers. On the way home, many people may be exhausted from food and drink and less careful than they otherwise would be. Between 2001 and 2006, more than 500 fatalities occurred every year on the holiday.
- New Year’s Day. New Year’s Eve is one holiday that almost everyone associates with drinking and partying. Champagne toasts and festive farewells to the old year mean a lot of alcohol and possibly poor decision-making. New Year’s Day is more deadly than New Year’s Eve, because more people are on the roads after midnight, turning New Year’s Eve celebrations into New Year’s Day accidents. The NSC notes that nearly half of the traffic fatalities on this day are due to alcohol consumption.
- Christmas. Most traffic accidents at this time of year happen between Christmas Eve afternoon and Christmas Day evening. People visiting friends and family could be driving on unfamiliar roads and become distracted. There are fewer accidents when the holidays fall during the week instead of at the weekend.
- Labor Day. Labor Day weekend is considered to be the official end of summer. Road trips or mini-vacations before school starts are common, which means more people on the roads. It could also mean more people on unfamiliar roadways, leading to distracted driving accidents. Many people may spend time drinking and barbecuing with friends or family, so alcohol could be a factor, as well.
- Memorial Day. The official kick-off to summer, Memorial Day weekend, shares many of the same risks of Labor Day weekend for traffic accidents. Many people may be traveling throughout the weekend or firing up the grill and having parties to kick off the summer.
Have You Been Injured while Driving During the Holidays?
Did you or a loved one suffer an injury during the holidays? If your accident resulted from someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file a claim or lawsuit for compensation for your injuries and losses. We can help.
The Law Offices of Ronald J. Resmini, Accident & Injury Lawyers, Ltd. personal injury attorneys work with people whose holiday cheer has gone because of injuries they sustained because of someone else’s wrongdoing. We offer comprehensive legal representation, and we will fight to get you the money you deserve. Call us today at (401) 751-8855 for a free consultation.
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