The holidays are supposed to be about family, good cheer, and celebration—after all, they are the most wonderful time of the year, right? Unfortunately, along with all that wonder and merriment, winter is also the most dangerous time of the year. Each winter, thousands of car accidents occur between Christmas and New Year’s Day, and hundreds are typically fatal.
Here, we take a look at incidence rates for vehicle accidents during the holiday season:
- According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation, over 300 Americans die each year during the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
- Alcohol plays a role in 42 percent of fatal crashes around the holidays.
- New Year’s is typically more dangerous than the Christmas holiday.
- When holidays fall in the middle of the week, car accidents seem to be less prevalent than when they occur around weekends.
- One of the busiest roads during the holidays, I-95, travels directly through Florida.
Considering the risks, before you plan your holiday travels don’t you think you should know what exactly it is about the holidays that make people drive so un-merrily?
Causes and Risks of Florida Winter Collisions
A good number of winter accidents occur in the north due to inclement weather such as snow, ice, and hail. However, the temperate southern climate generally decreases such worries for Florida drivers. So, why does the season still affect our roads and drivers? Before you hit the road this holiday, take a look the following causes of accidents that occur around this time of year; understanding the reasons may prevent you from being victimized by a dangerous driver.
- Drunk driving. It seems that holiday get-togethers and drinking go hand-in-hand. Although it’s fine to relax and have a few with the ones you love, you should never get behind the wheel afterwards.
- Nice weather. No, you didn’t just read a typo. Contrary to what you may think, a surge in accidents around the holidays is especially likely on days where Mother Nature is in a good mood and gives us unusually warm weather for the season. Sunshine and warm temperatures bring people out of their homes and put more drivers on the road. A rise in the number of motorists increases your chances of becoming involved in an accident.
- Increased travel. The holidays generally require a lot of traveling. Whether you make last-minute trips to the store for gifts, get together with your family, or go to parties with your friends, driving is usually a necessity. As a result, more cars are on the road, pressure is higher to get where you’re going, and road rage is compounded with holiday stress, all of which are triggers for dangerous driving.
Don’t Let Holiday Travel Suppress Your Cheer
No matter where your holiday plans take you, we want to make sure you get there safely. Remember to stay calm, take precautions (don’t drink and drive, plan for stops if it is a long drive, etc.), and stay alert for signs of danger.
If you do become injured while traveling around the holidays, call us toll free at 800.556.8890 or fill out our handy online contact form for a free consultation. Don’t allow someone else’s foolhardy actions to ruin your family’s holiday. Let us help you usher in the New Year with hope and peace of mind for your injury recovery and future. Call now!