Do Accidents Increase during the Holiday Season?
The holiday season is just around the corner, and while there’s a lot to look forward to, it’s important to also recognize that traffic accidents increase during the holidays and to proceed with caution. If you or someone you love is injured by a negligent driver during the upcoming holidays – or at any other time – seek the skilled legal guidance of an experienced Charleston car accident attorney as soon as you’re able to do so.
Impaired Driving
The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the most recent year for which data is available saw more drunk driving deaths in the month of December than any year in the prior 15. The total number of fatalities was 1,013 fatalities, and it speaks to the overall increase in risk that’s associated with holiday driving.
The National Safety Council (NSC) shares that many people take to the roads in order to spend the holidays with those they’re closest to and that cars have the highest fatality rate in terms of passenger miles traveled of all the popular modes of transportation. When you add alcohol – which is closely associated with holiday celebrations – into the mix, the risk increases significantly.
South Carolina Is among the Most Dangerous on Thanksgiving
AutoInsurance.com lists South Carolina as one of the five states with the highest traffic fatality rates on Thanksgiving Day. Additional statistics include:
- Deadly traffic accidents are four percent more likely throughout the nation on Thanksgiving Day than they are on non-holidays.
- More than a third of all fatal traffic accidents on Thanksgiving Day involve impairment.
- Fatal traffic accidents are 20 percent more likely in South Carolina on Thanksgiving Day than they are on non-holidays.
Risk Factors Associated with the Winter Holidays
There are a range of risk factors associated with the winter holidays that should be considered. To begin with, Halloween stands alone for being a one-day holiday that doesn’t draw large family gatherings and generally happens before any dangerous winter weather sets it – but, nevertheless, it sees a significant increase in traffic fatalities. This is generally attributed to increased and unpredictable pedestrian activity that generally happens after dark – as well as adult revelry that often includes drinking.
General factors that tend to elevate the risk of traffic accidents throughout the winter holiday season include:
- Increased traffic due to holiday travel
- The stress of the season
- Fewer daylight hours
- Wintery weather, which can lead to icy roads, high winds, and low visibility
- Increased drinking – at holiday meals, open houses, parties, and events
Reach Out to an Experienced Charleston Car Accident Attorney Today
The accomplished Charleston car accident attorneys at Parham Smith & Archenhold recognize the increased risk of traffic accidents during the holidays and are committed to sparing no effort in their advocacy for your claim’s best possible resolution. We are on your side and here to help, so reach out and contact us online or call 864-242-9008 for more information about what we can do to help you today.