Holiday Traffic Accident Prevention – From Blackout Wednesday Through New Year’s Day
Many of us look forward to the holidays as an opportunity for rest, relaxation, and visiting with loved ones. But tragically, the holidays are also a prime time for traffic wrecks, as countless Americans hit the road for long, cross-country car rides. Let’s explore the facts about traffic collisions around the holidays and what you can do to keep yourself safe this season.
Motor Vehicle Accident Statistics for the Holidays
Traffic collisions increase around the holidays. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- There were an average of 102 traffic fatalities per day in one recent year.
- That number increased to 119 traffic fatalities per day during the holidays.
Now let’s examine how these accidents break down by holiday:
- The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that 518 people may die in U.S. traffic wrecks over the 2022
- Thanksgiving holiday. If this estimate is accurate, it will be the highest number of Thanksgiving traffic deaths since 2007.
- The NSC estimates that 371 people may die in U.S. traffic wrecks during the 2022 Christmas holiday.
- The NSC estimates that 427 people may die in U.S. traffic wrecks during the 2022 New Year’s holiday.
What Causes Holiday Accidents?
So, why does the rate of motor vehicle crashes spike during the holidays? Key contributing factors to these collisions include:
- Increased travel time – Many holiday travelers drive long distances to visit friends and family members in other towns, cities, and states. The longer a motorist is on the road, the likelier their driving performance will suffer from boredom, fatigue, impatience, or distraction.
- Unfamiliar travel areas – Out-of-town motorists are less familiar with the quirks of local drivers and road design and are likelier to get confused or make mistakes.
- Speeding – Long travel times and tight schedules lead some holiday travelers to speed in the hopes of arriving at their destinations sooner. Unfortunately, excessive speed increases both the likelihood and the severity of collisions.
- Increased alcohol use – Alcohol consumption increases dramatically during the holidays, which is dangerous in conjunction with operating a motor vehicle. Drunk driving is a particular concern with the growing popularity of “Blackout Wednesday,” a day of binge drinking immediately preceding Thanksgiving.
How Can You Prevent Motor Vehicle Accidents This Holiday Season?
You can protect yourself and do your part in reducing traffic collisions by observing the following holiday driving safety tips:
- Inspect your vehicle to make sure it’s in good condition before hitting the road.
- Check your routes ahead of time for traffic and weather conditions.
- Get plenty of rest the night before you drive, and plan on frequent breaks.
- Obey speed limits and drive slower than usual in unfamiliar areas or inclement weather.
- Expect other drivers to behave aggressively and drive defensively to compensate.
- Put your phone and other distractions away and designate a navigator.
- Never get behind the wheel if you have consumed alcohol.
If You Get Injured in a Motor Vehicle Accident This Holiday Season, Contact Serious Injury Law Group
Hurt in a holiday traffic crash in Alabama? Contact Serious Injury Law Group right away. We can answer your questions and review your case for free during your initial consultation with one of our car accident lawyers in Alabama.
Chuck James is a Mobile, AL, native who graduated from the University of Alabama. Chuck has been practicing law since early 2000. Contact Chuck James today for help with your personal injury case. Free consultations. Locations in Birmingham and Montgomery.