Top 7 Most Dangerous Holidays to Drive
Holidays are typically times spent with family and friends, making memories, and enjoying a break from work. They may be filled with laughter and traditions involving food and drink. As such, holidays are also times of increased travel and alcohol consumption, and these factors quickly sour the festive mood when they lead to accidents and injuries.
If you or your loved one has been affected by a holiday-related roadway accident, Curtis Legal Group is ready to support and fight for you. With more than 100 years of combined experience, we have handled countless vehicle accident cases and are skilled negotiators and advocates. Our California drunk driving accident lawyers ensure you have what you need to recover in peace.
Holidays Pose Significant Threats to Drivers
Every year, Americans celebrate a combination of federal and non-federal holidays. Just like some holidays receive more fanfare than others, some holidays pose more threats to drivers and pedestrians than others.
There are several factors that can contribute to an increase in traffic accidents and fatalities during the holidays.
Some of the most common reasons there are more wrecks during these times of year include alcohol use, travel fatigue, traffic volume, weather conditions, and distractions. In order to remain safe, it is important to know which holidays are the deadliest for traffic and, therefore, require an elevated level of caution when out on the road. Below is a look at the seven most dangerous holidays to drive on.
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are some of the riskiest days of winter celebrations. Many people ring in the new year with champagne and other alcoholic beverages before driving home afterward. In the linked report above, New Year’s Day most recently accounted for 408 traffic fatalities, and it has one of the lowest fatality rates out of all the holidays.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is often observed as a time for remembrance, with parades, events, and cookouts. Memorial Day is the third most dangerous holiday, with 469 total traffic-related deaths. This three-day span also makes up 40% of holiday drunk driving fatalities.
Independence Day
Independence Day is a time for cookouts, fireworks, vacations, and oftentimes heavy drinking. Independence Day poses the highest risk for vehicle fatalities in the U.S., according to the Consumer Affairs report above. During the most recent year reported, traffic accidents resulted in 619 deaths across the country. It also had the highest increase in fatality rates out of all the holidays at 16.1%. Drunk driving over the weekend closest to Independence Day accounted for 39% of the holiday’s fatalities.
Labor Day
Labor Day signals the close of the summer season and is one of the final few holidays before the end-of-year celebrations kick into high gear. Labor Day weekend accounts for the highest rate of drunk driving fatalities at 41%. It also resulted in 455 accident fatalities. There was also an 11.5% increase in average deaths between non-holidays and holidays.
Halloween
While Halloween may not be a holiday characterized by excessive drinking, this night is particularly dangerous for pedestrians and children. A report by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) reported that alcohol contributed to 39% of accidents, and pedestrian fatalities went up by 43% during this day.
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a popular time to gather with loved ones over a meal and take a moment for gratitude and fellowship. Yet, between alcohol consumption, fatigue, and travel, Thanksgiving marks the second most dangerous holiday in the country and one of the deadliest holidays in California.
Drunk driving makes up 36% of fatalities over Thanksgiving weekend.
Christmas
With an overload of demands, such as shopping and traveling to see family and friends, Christmas is often one of the busiest holidays. However, Christmas typically has the least amount of holiday-related traffic deaths, both nationally and in California. Among the most recent data, Christmas accounted for 345 fatalities. The Christmas holiday also accounts for 36% of drunk driving fatalities.
Most Dangerous States for Holiday Travel
In addition to knowing what holidays are the most dangerous, it is also important to be aware of which states are the most dangerous during the holidays. According to U.S. News & World Report, these states ranked among the most hazardous during the holiday season:
- South Carolina
- Mississippi
- Louisiana
- Montana
- Florida
- Oregon
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- Arkansas
- Arizona
Precautions to Take During the Holiday Season
With the increased risks associated with traveling over the holiday, it is more important than ever to take extra precautions. Whether you are driving locally or traveling a long distance, The Department of Homeland Security recommends observing some of the following roadway best practices during the holidays:
- Get plenty of rest prior to traveling.
- Always wear your seatbelt.
- Avoid speeding.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Do not engage in distracted driving.
- Allow extra time for increased traffic.
- Keep an emergency roadside kit in your vehicle.
A California Auto Accident Lawyer Will Protect Your Rights
Given the factors at play during the holidays, traffic accidents can be more severe and have devastating results. If you have been wrongfully injured in a holiday car accident, you have the right to take legal action. When facing the aftermath of a holiday traffic accident, a seasoned car accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process and ensure your rights are protected.
It can be frustrating when insurance companies resist paying you what you are owed or you want to hold the negligent party responsible for their actions. Your lawyer will have your back and forcefully advocate for you. They will negotiate a fair settlement that will allow you to focus on your recovery without stress.
A lawyer can help you by building a strong case demonstrating how the driver who caused your injuries was at fault. They will use the standard of negligence to demonstrate that the other driver owed you a duty of care, breached that duty when they acted carelessly, and were the source of your injuries.
Once your lawyer establishes these elements, the court can compel the at-fault party to pay the injured party’s damages.
Negotiating Damages in a Holiday Car Accident Case
Damages are intended to help you recover your losses after a car accident. Your lawyer will work with you to calculate the amount you need and aggressively pursue maximum compensation. They can help you receive damages for financial losses such as medical expenses, damage to your vehicle, and lost income if you are unable to work.
Additionally, if you have experienced pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship, or a reduced quality of life, your lawyer can help recover damages for those non-monetary losses as well. In situations where the other party’s actions were grossly negligent, intentional, or fraudulent, you may be eligible to receive punitive damages. These are awarded to enact a harsh penalty against the liable party and discourage similar future behavior by others.
Curtis Legal Group Aggressively Fights for You
Holiday accidents can have devastating results and end up costing you more than you imagine. Curtis Legal Group understands how frightening this can be and is ready to provide you with the representation you need to cover your medical costs and get justice. Our lawyers will fight insurance companies and any other opposing parties in order to protect your rights and get you maximum compensation.
Schedule a free consultation with our California accident attorneys today and get the aggressive representation you deserve.