Why Can Holiday Car Accidents be so Deadly?
The Holidays are a time of year people look forward to, often for its “much-ness.” There is just MORE during the holidays. More activities and things to do stuffed into the day, more music playing as you go through your day. More lights, more food, more family interaction. It is part of the “much-ness” of the holidays that contribute to the increased risk for catastrophic car accidents. There are long drives to see family, long days spent with that family (where drinking is often involved, some partaking in merriment, others to bypass the merriment.) Airports are crowded, more people are on the road, people are tired, traveling and less familiar with the roads. The weather can be intense… all of these factors brew into a reality that the risk of catastrophic car injuries is more concentrated during the holidays. The statistics and research show that consequences for holiday and impaired driving can be severe. Prevention and careful response if an accident does occur, matter.
How Dangerous is Holiday Travel?
The National Safely Counsel consistently reports elevated numbers of motor-vehicle deaths surrounding holidays and holiday weekends. For example, in recent Thanksgiving holiday periods, the NSC estimated hundreds of roadway fatalities to take place over the weekend, with projected deaths during the week of Thanksgiving to exceed 100 per day.
More cars on the road equals more congestion. There is greater exposure to risk of something going wrong with someone or someone’s vehicle. Add to the congestion the greater likelihood that people will be indulging in alcohol and potentially driving in unfamiliar places, fatigued, and on-edge, and it is no surprise that accident reports would go up.
Making Holiday Travel Safer
- Plan safe driving windows: Anticipate that there will be extra traffic, leave during times of lower congestion and give yourself plenty of time so you will not be driving while stressed/aggressively.
- Do not drive impaired: It should go without saying: there are many options to get you where you need to be. If you are impaired ensure there is a sober driver, utilize a rideshare, or plan a safe place to stay over. Approximately one-third of holiday fatalities involve alcohol. Protect your family, and everyone else’s, and ensure you do not drive impaired.
- Share driving: switching up who has driving duty can help those on long drives to avoid being overly fatigued.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Crash
- Call 911 to report the crash and obtain medical assistance. Even minor injuries should be evaluated, for some serious injuries have delayed symptoms.
- Take photos: the scene will change quickly. Be sure to take photos of the scene, including road conditions, traffic signs, visible injuries, vehicle damage, other cars there, etc.
- Get witness information: a witness may be the key to cementing your later claims. Do not let important evidence just drive away. Obtaining the names, statements, and contact information of witnesses can be crucial to your claim.
- Briefly report the crash to your insurance company: Keep it factual and do not talk about feelings or impressions. Avoid giving recorded statements about fault without speaking with an attorney.
Contact Patel Law, PC
Holiday crashes can be especially complex, involving out-of-state drivers, rental vehicles, multiple insurers, etc. An experienced Springfield auto accident attorney with Patel Law, PC can help you to navigate your claim and answer questions about how to move forward. Contact our office today to start working with our team.
Source:
ucihealth.org/blog/2025/11/holiday-accident-prevention
