From New Year's Eve to the 4th of July and Christmas, People in the USA observe many holidays, which are popular for road trips and parties. People excitingly hit the road while they are drunk, which not only leads to traffic hikes but also comes with the dangers of traffic accidents and fatalities.
If you or your loved ones have been harmed in such holiday car crashes, it's advised you speak to a car accident attorney, such as The Barnes Firm. However, understanding the trends around holiday driving is even better to prevent the damage in the first place. Let's dive deep into holiday driving and fatalities.
Holiday Driving Statistics
Below are a few holiday motor vehicle accidents statistics you should know:
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A report by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals that 1339 drivers lost their lives in road crashes during the holiday season of July 4 from 2015 to 2019, and 38% of those killed were drunk.
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According to the National Safety Council (NSC), traffic deaths during Memorial Day were recorded 453 in 2019.
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New Year's Day holiday period traffic fatalities are expected to reach 427 in 2022 (NSC).
Most Dangerous Holidays for Driving
Here's a list of the most dangerous holidays to drive, based on holiday period traffic fatality reports of NSC and other institutions.
#1. Independence Day
Where Americans hit the road on the 4th of July for much-needed fun and adventure, Independence Day is also one of the most dangerous holidays to drive. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), around 498 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes during the July 4 holiday in 2019, and 38% of them were alcohol-impaired driving fatalities.
According to another study by NHTSA in 2020, speeding, not wearing seat belts, and alcohol-fueled driving were the main reasons behind this increased number of fatalities. The NSC report also suggests that 191 accidents were prevented because people wore seat belts, and 122 lives could be saved if the vehicle occupants would wear seatbelts.
#2. Memorial Day
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May to pay honor to people who died while serving the US armed forces. However, the holiday period usually lasts from Friday to Monday and the homage comes with loads of weekend road traffic and increased fatalities each year. In 2019, NSC reported 453 deaths during the Memorial Day holiday period; 37% were drunk drivers. The report also shows that 164 lives could be saved if people wore safety belts.
If you plan to get on the road on Memorial Day, make sure to practice safe driving. Wear seatbelts and avoid drunk driving in the evening or at night because it's the time when other drivers are tired or fatigued.
#3. Labor Day
Labor Day celebrations translate to a 3-day weekend celebration, a lot of road trips, and more road accidents. According to NSC, Labor Day ranks as the third most deadly holiday to be on the road, following Independence Day and Memorial Day.
In 2019, 433 average car crash deaths were reported during the Memorial Day holiday period, 38% of those involved drunk drivers. This was an alarming jump of 19% from the previous year's 350 deaths.
#4. New Year
New Year's Eve is particularly known for its alcohol-fueled celebrations where people are more likely to drink and drive a few miles to celebrate the beginning of another year. However, it also translates to an increased number of car crash deaths.
According to NSC, 428 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes during the New Year's holiday period in 2019, and 36% of fatalities involved drunk drivers. It is also estimated that 170 lives were saved because of seatbelts, and 99 more could be saved if vehicle occupants wore seatbelts.
#5 - Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is best known for friends and family get-togethers, meal parties, and celebrations. However, the holiday period ranks fifth for traffic fatalities. According to NSC, 406 were killed in car crashes during the holiday period in 2019. 29% of these fatalities involved alcohol-impaired driving. The report also shows that 120 people could be saved if everyone in the car wore safety belts.
#6- Christmas
Where Christmas is celebrated with great joy and excitement, the hustle and bustle of the holiday leads to more traffic accidents and death as well. In 2019, 129 people died in car crashes during the holiday period, 38% of those were drunk drivers. NSC's report also suggests that 86 lives could be saved if people wore seat belts.
Christmas holiday traffic fatalities in 2019 were fairly lower as compared to that of 438 deaths in the previous year. However, NSC forecasted 371 Christmas holiday period deaths in 2021.
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