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The Most Dangerous Holidays

Seth Harris

Last modified on December 5, 2023

The Most Dangerous Holidays

Traveling to see loved ones is common during holidays. In addition, many people may be traveling more often during the holiday season to shop, attend holiday events, and more. On top of that, many consume alcohol and stay out late to enjoy holiday parties.

These factors can increase the odds that motor vehicle collisions will occur. Other types of accidents may also be more common during the holidays, too. For example, slip-and-falls at crowded retail stores may occur more frequently during holiday shopping.

What are the most dangerous holidays in the U.S.? According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the most dangerous holiday periods are:

New Year’s Day

The NSC doesn’t consider a “holiday period” to consist of a single day. Per the NSC, a holiday period includes the time during which many may be traveling for or celebrating a holiday.

For example, New Year’s Day is on a Monday in 2024. The NSC states that the New Year’s Day holiday period will begin the Friday before.

Accordingly, the NSC predicts 375 people may lose their lives in traffic crashes on U.S. roads during the 2024 New Year’s Day holiday period. The NSC does not estimate how many people may survive such crashes but sustain major injuries.

Memorial Day

The NSC estimated approximately 469 individuals would die in motor vehicle wrecks during the 2023 Memorial Day holiday period. Traffic death rates may be higher during holiday periods in warm months as more people may be likely to travel in agreeable weather.

Research supports this notion. According to a National Library of Medicine study, motor vehicle crashes are more common on hot days.

Independence Day

Independence Day is another popular warm-weather holiday. For the 2023 Independence Day holiday period, the NSC estimated traffic crashes would claim 619 lives on U.S. roads. This makes it one of the deadliest United States holidays.

Labor Day

The NSC predicted 455 people would die in traffic accidents during the 2023 Labor Day holiday period. Using the NSC’s definition of a holiday period, the Labor Day holiday period always lasts 3.25 days. It begins the Friday evening before Labor Day and lasts through the holiday.

When you’re traveling during the holidays, remember that people may already be celebrating a holiday even if the actual day hasn’t arrived yet. Thus, intoxicated drivers leaving or heading to holiday celebrations may be on the road in greater numbers than usual.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving is a relatively long holiday period that always spans 4.25 days. The NSC estimated that 507 people would lose their lives in Thanksgiving accidents during the 2023 holiday period.

Christmas Day

The Most Dangerous Holidays

For the 2023 Christmas Day holiday period, the NSC predicts 345 traffic deaths. As the NSC also points out, many who travel during the holidays opt to do so by car.

Car travel has a higher fatality rate than many other forms of transportation. If you have the option to travel by train or plane during the holidays, consider doing so. Staying away from roads this time of year could minimize your chances of sustaining harm.

Other ways to avoid being hurt during the holiday season include:

  • Keep an eye out for hazardous conditions at crowded holiday events
  • Check weather reports before traveling
  • Wear footwear with a strong grip if snow or ice accumulates
  • Carefully read the safety instructions before using any products you receive as gifts
  • Carefully install holiday lighting and decor to guard against fires or other such accidents
  • Try not to drive between the hours of 10:00 PM and 3:00 AM, as accidents may be more likely to occur during these hours
  • Purchase shovels and other snow and ice removal equipment so you can respond promptly when snow storms strike
  • Make sure the outdoor lighting at your property is adequate

See a doctor right away if you’re involved in even a minor accident during the holidays. This is necessary regardless of whether you think you’ve been injured. You could sustain an injury without realizing it. If there’s any chance you’ve been hurt, err on the side of caution and seek medical care.

Contact an NYC Personal Injury Lawyer

Keeping the above safety tips in mind can reduce your chances of getting hurt during any holiday period. However, taking such steps doesn’t guarantee you’ll avoid harm.

Have you sustained injuries during the holidays due to the negligence of another party? You may be entitled to compensation. Because New York is a no-fault state, if you were hurt in a car wreck, you don’t even need to prove negligence to get money from your insurer for your medical expenses.

Negotiating with an insurance company may be the last thing on your mind at this moment. Now is the time to focus on your recovery. Our NYC personal injury lawyers at Harris, Keenan & Goldfarb can pursue compensation on your behalf. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us today at 800-PAIN-LAW for a free case review.

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