Travel during the holidays is common as many head out to see family and friends during some of the most festive times of the year. The extent to which people travel depends on the holiday in question, as some emphasize time spent with loved ones more than others. However, knowing which holidays are most dangerous can help you come up with a plan to stay as safe as possible on the road.
5 Most Dangerous Holidays for Driving
Some of the inclusions on this list of top 5 dangerous holidays for driving might be surprising; others not as much.
Memorial Day
In a three-year period, 1,343 people were killed in Memorial Day crashes in the U.S., making it number one on the list of dangerous holidays to be on the road. The amount of alcohol consumed during barbecues, parties, and other gatherings is among the reasons it is such a scary holiday for driving.
Fourth of July
Independence Day is a dangerous holiday for roadway travel due to the amount of drinking and driving that seems to accompany most celebrations as well.
Labor Day
The National Safety Council estimated that up to 500 people would die on the road for the 2021 Labor Day holiday weekend, in part because of the number of people that travel via car for the holiday. This method of travel has the highest fatality rate of any form of transportation.
Father’s Day
The three-year crash total in the United States for Father’s Day is 1,293, with an average of 431 fatalities each year.
Cinco de Mayo
There were 1,256 auto accidents on Cinco de Mayo over a three-year period. Part of the reason that the roads are more dangerous on this holiday is due to the emphasis on alcohol consumption for many of the events surrounding this day.
Tips for Staying Safe on the Road during the Holidays
While it may not be possible to avoid a car accident due to the actions of others, there are some things you can do to keep yourself as safe as possible if you are traveling via car for the holidays.
- Leave early: If you are traveling via car for the holidays, leave in plenty of time to deal with traffic, take detours as needed, and avoid the temptation of aggressive driving.
- Don’t engage in distracted driving: Initiate the verbal instructions on your GPS so you don’t need to look down at your phone while driving. Use a hands-free device for phone calls, and do not text and drive.
- Practice driving in the elements: If you are traveling to a location with winter weather, take it slow and practice driving in these conditions if possible prior to your trip.
The more prepared you are to contend with holiday traffic, the more you can ensure that you stay safe while traveling.
Reach Out to an Orlando Car Accident Lawyer You Can Trust
Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis should be your first call when you need a legal team you can trust. As experienced Orlando car accident attorneys, we have helped numerous clients get compensation for their injuries and helped with the challenges they have faced after a car accident. After all, the stress of the accident is enough without having to contend with unforeseen medical and lifestyle expenses due to injuries you or your loved ones may have sustained.
Schedule a free consultation today to learn how we may be able to help you. Call us at (407) 843-7060 or reach out to us online.
Legally Written and Reviewed by a Managing Partner
Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, P.A.
Our content is written and reviewed by our founding attorneys Butch Wooten, Orman Kimbrough, Mike Damaso, and Tom Dennis. Helping the injured since 1966, they’ve successfully handled thousands of personal injury cases across Florida. Whether you’re a Florida resident or an out-of-state visitor injured in Florida, we’re dedicated to providing clear and reliable information to help you navigate your legal options confidently.