Holiday Driving Accidents: The 5 Most Dangerous Times to Travel
Written by Cooper & Friedman PLLC on November 19, 2024
The holidays are a time for happiness. We have more days off of work to spend with family and we celebrate with food and gifts and companionship. There’s plenty to love about the holidays, but holiday driving accidents are not one. However, it’s not just the holiday season around November and December that are dangerous and see an increase in accidents. The 5 most dangerous holidays for driving are:
1. Thanksgiving
Many of the car accidents that happen around or on Thanksgiving happen due to the increased amount of cars on the road and a deadline to travel. Several companies do not give their workers the Wednesday before Thanksgiving off. This leads to rushed, fatigued, or distracted driving to get to their destination on time. In congested areas, holiday driving accidents can happen very easily.
Safety Tips:
- Make a plan with your family before Thanksgiving to ensure you have enough time to drive safely.
- Know the route that you will be driving to mitigate distractions.
- The Sunday following Thanksgiving is a busy time for travel as well, so plan accordingly.
2. Labor Day
Labor Day weekend is another holiday that attracts a lot of travelers. With many people enjoying one last summer getaway, the roads can become dangerous due to heavy traffic. Alcohol consumption often increases during celebrations as well, making the risk of accidents higher.
Safety Tips:
- Avoid distractions while driving, such as using your phone to change your GPS or text.
- Plan your route in advance and be prepared for traffic delays.
- Always have a designated driver or a backup lodging plan in the case that you consume too much alcohol.
3. Fourth of July
Independence Day is another holiday associated with drinking and extra driving hazards due to firecrackers and crowds. Firework displays and city celebrations, barbecues, and gatherings often result in increased traffic volume. Especially in the dark, these hazards can be dangerous. Watch out for drivers who are distracted by firework shows, drunk drivers, and pedestrians who might be outside to watch the sky.
Safety Tips:
- Avoid driving late at night when many celebrations are winding down.
- Be cautious of pedestrians and cyclists, particularly near parks and neighborhoods.
- Keep a safe distance from other vehicles and be ready for sudden stops.
4. Memorial Day
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, leading to an increase in road trips and outdoor activities. This holiday weekend often results in a spike in holiday driving accidents due to the influx of vehicles on the road. The combination of increased traffic, alcohol consumption, and sometimes inclement weather makes it a risky time to drive.
Safety Tips:
- Check the weather before you leave.
- Stay sober or have a backup travel plan.
- Use your GPS to avoid congested areas and find alternate routes.
5. Christmas
Similar to Thanksgiving, Christmas sees a significant uptick in holiday travel. With families gathering to celebrate, the roads become congested, and the chances of accidents increase. Additionally, Christmas is the time of year when weather conditions such as snow, ice, hail, and freezing rain can make roads and visibility worse. The weather, darker days, and number of people on the road make Christmas high up on the list for dangerous holidays.
Safety Tips:
- Monitor weather forecasts and road conditions before traveling.
- Drive at safe speeds and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
- Always dress for the weather, and prepare an emergency kit in your car, including blankets, snacks, and a flashlight.
Call Cooper and Friedman, Louisville, KY Car Accident Lawyers
If you’ve gotten in a car accident that surpasses the $10,000No-Fault limit, or you have experienced an injury that meets the requirements for litigation, call Cooper and Friedman. We know that the holidays are stressful, so we want to make your litigation as easy for you as possible.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in the State of Kentucky and are in need of an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney, give the lawyers at the Cooper & Friedman law firm a call. The attorneys at Cooper and Friedman PLLC have over 50 years of combined experience defending the rights of car accident victims. Contact us with questions you might have or schedule a free case consultation with an attorney by calling 502-459-7555 today.