Labor Day Weekend Car Accident Statistics
According to The National Safety Council (NSC), over each Labor Day weekend 400 Americans on average are involved in fatal car accidents. An additional approximately 49,000 people will experience non-fatal medically consulted injuries (injuries serious enough to seek medical care). Between 2008 and 2013, the NSC identified an 8.9 percent increase in fatal car accidents on Labor Day weekends compared to a non-holiday weekend.
Labor Day Weekend Car Accident Statistics
Beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday and ending at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, the Labor Day holiday period is always 3.25 days in length. The estimated fatality total for 2016 was 18 percent higher than the average actual number of fatalities (371) that occurred during the previous six Labor Day holiday periods for which data are available. The estimated deaths represented the most Labor Day period accident fatalities since 2008.
Generally, holiday and holiday weekends see an increase in car accident fatalities for various reasons. The holiday with the most deaths changes from year to year depending on the cost of gas and other factors but Labor Day is at or near the top of the list for danger in terms of the number of people killed in car and truck accidents each year.
One of the reasons that Labor Day and other holidays create an increased risk for deadly car crashes is the increased consumption of alcohol that comes with family get togethers and celebrations. There are simply more people on the road during holidays who have consumed alcohol. Other factors include more cars on roadways as people drive for long-weekend getaways before the start of the school year or to celebrate the end of summer.
Click here for Labor Day weekend driving safety tips.
If you or a loved one was seriously injured or killed in a Labor Day weekend accident caused by a drunk driver or other reckless or distracted driving behavior; contact an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as you are able. He or she will evaluate your accident and injuries and may be able to fight for a bigger settlement on your behalf.
If you or a loved one is dealing with an accident or injury through no fault of your own, you have enough on your plate. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!