Why Crashes Increase During the Holidays
Although the holiday season is filled with joy and time spent with loved ones, this time of year can also be a breeding ground for severe car crashes and serious injuries. Because of this, it's crucial for motorists to understand what factors can cause this increase during this season.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the Christmas and New Year's holiday periods often see some of the sharpest increases in fatal collisions compared to other holidays. In 2021, Christmas is expected to account for 340 fatalities, while New Year's is expected to see 384. Read on to learn more about what contributes to this.
Increased Traffic
With motorists traveling to visit loved ones or taking a much-needed vacation, more cars tend to be on the roads during the holidays. According to AAA, more than 104.8 million Americans traveled by car during the 2019 winter holiday season, a nearly 4% increase from the previous year. Major cities that are popular with winter vacationers were also to expect delays up to three times greater than average.
AAA considers Las Vegas one of the top five most popular destinations for end-of-year holidays, so be prepared to handle the increased number of cars coming with the season.
Driving Under the Influence
Unfortunately, driving under the influence is a common occurrence during this time of year. So much so that the Christmas and New Year's periods see alcohol-impaired driving fatality rates significantly higher than the national average annually. NSC estimates that 38% of roadway fatalities during the Christmas period involve a driver under the influence (compared to the national average of 28%), while New Year's shows 36%.
Road Rage
It's no secret that the holiday season can be stressful for various reasons. From making travel plans and being stuck in traffic to visiting family you rarely see, there is no shortage of potential reasons for driving under some kind of pressure. However, drivers should be mindful to not drive when feeling stressed, tired, or frustrated, as these can lead to an increased likelihood of road rage, reckless driving behaviors, and collisions.
Stay Safe This Holiday Season—Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen Can Help.
Your family deserves to celebrate the holiday season safely, and no driver should have to be concerned about getting into a crash during this time of year. Unfortunately, this is all too common, and thousands of injuries are caused in the process.
If you or a loved one is involved in a collision during the holidays and sustains an injury, call (702) 505-8115 to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. Our experienced attorneys can help protect your rights throughout the process and ensure you recover the compensation you deserve.