It may seem counterintuitive, but car accidents increase during the last months of the year. Adverse weather conditions in winter led to more collisions historically. The months of November, December, and January consistently show at least 25% more traffic fatalities than the other months of the year. December sees the most car accidents according to reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
These statistics leave many people wondering what makes these months more dangerous. There are also some top factors that contribute to the increase in traffic accidents during these months.
What Day Has The Most Car Accidents
Christmas and New Year’s Car Accidents
The Christmas and New Year’s holidays also see a notable increase in car accidents. People are busy with the hustle and bustle of last-minute shopping, holiday parties, and family gatherings. So, many people find themselves on the road more frequently during this time. Similar to the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving, alcohol plays a significant role in the number of accidents during these holidays. New Year’s Eve, in particular, is known for heavy drinking. That’s why the early hours of New Year’s Day often record a high number of drunk driving incidents.
The Fourth of July: America’s Deadliest Holiday on the Roads
Among all holidays, the Fourth of July consistently tops the list as the holiday with the most car accidents. Independence Day is synonymous with fireworks, barbecues, and outdoor festivities. But it’s also notorious for a sharp rise in road fatalities. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Fourth of July often sees the highest number of fatal crashes compared to any other day of the year.
Several factors contribute to the high car accident rates on this holiday. One of the primary reasons is the increased incidence of drunk driving. Celebrations often involve alcohol, and despite awareness campaigns, many people still get behind the wheel after drinking. Additionally, the holiday falls during summer, when more people are traveling on vacation, leading to congested roads and a higher likelihood of accidents.
Thanksgiving: A Time for Family, Food, and Traffic Accidents
Thanksgiving is another holiday that sees a spike in car accidents. Millions of Americans travel long distances to be with their loved ones. As a result, the roads become crowded and potentially hazardous. The day before Thanksgiving, often referred to as “Blackout Wednesday,”. It is particularly dangerous due to the increase in alcohol consumption.
The combination of long road trips, tired drivers, and weather creates a perfect storm for accidents. Data shows that the Thanksgiving holiday period, which includes the Wednesday before Thanksgiving through the Sunday after, is one of the deadliest times on the road each year.
Common Factors Contributing to Holiday Car Accidents
Group travel
Once the end of the year approaches, it is common to travel with family and friends and sometimes we do so in different vehicles. When this is the case, it is common for inappropriate driving practices to increase, for example, hasty overtaking to trying to go as close together as possible.
Students are not in school
This means that there are more young and inexperienced drivers on the road than during the school year. Inexperienced drivers can cause car accidents, so defensive driving is essential during the winter months. A young driver who is not sufficiently prepared to drive a car constitutes a serious threat to public roads. Normally, teenagers are competent drivers and should always carry a driver’s license.
According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the leading cause of death among young people 10 to 19 years old in the United States is automobile accidents, where 70% of these traffic accidents are related to alcohol and/or speeding. In the case of accidents in which young people are involved, they occur mainly on weekends, and mainly at dawn.
Drinking and Driving
During the holiday months, it is more common for people to attend various types of parties where alcohol is present. Certainly, alcohol or other harmful drinks and driving are not a good combination. Drinking alcohol compromises the driver and his abilities. Drivers must be aware of how alcohol consumption, as well as drug use, can impact their ability to drive. In Texas, the law prohibits driving for all adults with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .08% or higher.
Weather Conditions
Lower temperatures can affect vehicle performance. Cold weather can affect tire pressure, which can easily lead to blowouts.
Weather conditions play a vital role in road safety. Winter holidays often bring snow, ice, and sleet. These conditions make roads slippery and hazardous. Drivers face reduced visibility and longer stopping distances.
Rainy weather also increases accident risks. Wet roads reduce tire traction, leading to skidding. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), 24% of weather-related crashes occur on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement. Proper vehicle maintenance and cautious driving are essential in adverse weather.
Reckless driving
Depending on the holiday, it may be much easier for you to drive recklessly. Fielding phone calls from relatives, thinking over the holiday itinerary, roadside seasonal decor, and more pedestrians near the roadway may make drivers more susceptible to being rushed trying to get to their destination. We drive recklessly if we don’t pay enough attention to our driving, this can include racing; passing on blind curves; swerving; passing school buses with their stop signs down, and going around railroad barriers. In Texas, reckless driving also includes high-mph speeding.
Reckless driving is a serious crime in the state of Texas. An individual commits the offense of reckless driving by operating a motor vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of another person or property. Some examples of reckless driving are below:
Excessive speed
Exceeding speed limits greatly increases the likelihood of road accidents and, with 25% of all car crashes occurring during winter, it’s clear that a safe journey is very hard while driving on icy roads. Speeding puts everyone on the road in danger: in 2020, 9,812 people died from speeding, which represents more than a quarter (27%) of all traffic fatalities that year. In snow and ice, loss of control of the vehicle may occur at higher speeds and lead to hazardous situations
Ignoring Traffic signals
Traffic signs should never be ignored or neglected. A commonly ignored traffic signal is the stop sign. According to Texas Vehicle codes, the driver of a vehicle approaching a stop sign at the entrance or inside an intersection must stop at the boundary line before passing the crosswalk on the side near the intersection. If there is no marked boundary line next to the signal, drivers must stop at the entrance of the crossing road.
Driver Distraction
The number of reasons drivers are distracted continues to grow and the number of traffic accidents continues to rise consequently. A study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that there were about 3,723 fatal car accidents due to distraction in 2020, 8.8% more than in 2019, and 20% of these occurred during the winter months. Lack of attention to the steering wheel and smartphone distractions are some of the biggest concerns on the road.
Auto Maintenance
It is vital to make a prior review of your vehicle to ensure the proper functioning of its key elements. However, a recent study collected by the Department of Transportation (DOT) reveals that most drivers do not care about the preventive maintenance of their cars.
80% of the vehicles that will be on the roads during the winter season will do so without having received a previous maintenance review, as reflected in the study carried out by the Speedy workshop network. The consequences of this lack of attention by their owners have a direct impact on road accidents.
Night driving
People are driving to more evening events/parties /family gatherings during the winter holidays, and vision is compromised at night even with appropriate headlights. The low visibility contributes to vehicle accidents. According to statistics from the National Council for Accident Prevention, 42% of traffic accidents occur during the night and early morning.
We should avoid driving between two and five in the morning and at dawn, which is when the possibility of suffering an accident is the greatest, according to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Night-time accidents tend to be more serious than daytime accidents, partly due to 70% loss of visibility and partly due to people falling asleep at the wheel.
There are more people on the road. Thanksgiving and winter vacations are incredibly popular, which means more and more people will be on the road. Also, if you live in a vacation destination, there will be many people on the road who may be unfamiliar with your local area.
Shocking Statistics of Car Accidents During Holidays
The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration. Yet, they can also be perilous on the roads. This section dives into the Shocking Statistics surrounding holiday car accidents. Discover which holidays see the most crashes and why.
Annual Data
Every year, car accidents surge during specific holidays. The data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals alarming trends. Below is a table showing the average number of accidents during major holidays:
Holidays and their Average Accidents
- New Year’s Eve 1,500
- Memorial Day 1,200
- Fourth of July 1,400
- Thanksgiving 1,100
- Christmas 900
Reason Analysis
Comparing holidays reveals some shocking patterns. The Fourth of July often sees the most accidents. This holiday combines heavy travel and alcohol consumption.
- New Year’s Eve: High alcohol-related accidents.
- Memorial Day: Increase in road trips and vacation travel.
- Fourth of July: Fireworks and parties lead to distracted driving.
- Thanksgiving: Long-distance travel and family gatherings.
- Christmas: Shopping and festive activities increase road use.
Safety Tips To Avoid Holiday Car Accidents
Following the safety tips to stay safe during driving. Especially when you drive your own, you should always follow the safety tips.
- Plan your route and schedule breaks to avoid fatigue. Travel during off-peak hours and leave early to avoid heavy traffic.
- Minimize distractions and stay focused on the road.
- Don’t drink and drive, and be aware of drug impairment.
- Check the weather forecast and prepare your vehicle for winter conditions.
- Always wear seat belts and ensure child safety seats are properly installed.
- Stay calm, manage stress, and avoid aggressive driving behaviors.
- Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and keep the gas tank at least half full.
- Use GPS and traffic apps wisely, and opt for hands-free devices when necessary.
- Keep an emergency kit in your car and know emergency contact numbers.
Injured in a car accident during the Thanksgiving and winter breaks?
In case you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident that results in injury or death, the lawyers at PMR Law can guide you to get the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys work hard to try and get reckless drivers and insurance companies to compensate you as much as possible so you can cover the expenses and damages related to your recovery.
You must know your rights in terms of Lawsuits Related to Automobile Accidents.
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Contact us at 832-626-3879 so we can help you. Our friendly staff will ask you some questions about your issue and connect you with a car accident lawsuit lawyer. You can also fill out the “Free Evaluation Form” found here.
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