Christmas is a holiday that brings loved ones together in a festive atmosphere. Many will travel long distances by road in the dark to attend these events, where alcohol is often served. We know that heavy road traffic, dark roads, and drunk driving all lead to an increase in traffic accidents, so it’s not surprising that the holidays come with an increased risk of fatal crashes. The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that 431 people may die on U.S. roads in a Christmas collision this Christmas Day holiday period, which is slightly below the six-year average of 450 fatalities that occurred over Christmas holiday periods of the same length.
Losing a loved one in an accident is devastating, especially during the holiday season when families are meant to be together. While no legal action can ever replace what you’ve lost, you may have options to seek justice through a car accident wrongful death claim if your loved one’s death was caused by another driver’s negligence. An experienced local car accident attorney can help you understand your rights, explain the claims process, and guide you through the next steps when you’re ready.
Christmas Collision Traffic Fatalities
This chart from the NSC shows traffic deaths during the Christmas Day period* compared to two equivalent non-holiday periods one week before and two weeks before. In the ten years between 2013 and 2023, an average of 332 people were killed in Christmas period traffic fatalities. The two deadliest hours during the Christmas holiday period are 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Christmas Day as people head home from Christmas day celebrations in the dark.
*The NSC defines the Christmas Day period as 6 p.m. on December 24 to 11:59 p.m. on December 25 but if the 24th or 25th overlap with or fall next to a weekend, the weekend dates would be included as well. The 2025 Christmas period will last 4.25 days between 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24 to 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 28. Years with extended holiday periods typically have more fatalities.
Reduce Your Risk of a Christmas Holiday Crash
Here are four things you can do to reduce your risk of a traffic accident this Christmas:
- Wear seat belts. Ensure that you and every passenger in your vehicle wears a seatbelt and that infants and children are strapped correctly into appropriate car seats or booster seats. When seat belts are worn consistently and properly, they reduce the risk of fatalities for front-seat passengers by 45 percent. An estimated 154 lives could be saved this Christmas Day holiday period because of vehicle occupants wearing their seat belts. An additional 109 lives could be saved if 100 percent of vehicle occupants wear seat belts.
- Do not drink and drive. According to data from NHTSA, during Christmas 2023, 37 percent of drivers involved in fatal crashes tested positive for alcohol during the Christmas holiday period compared to the annual average of 30 percent. Many lives could be saved this Christmas holiday period if no one gets behind the wheel while intoxicated. Plan to stay overnight, have a designated driver or abstain from alcohol to ensure that you are not drinking and driving. If you see another vehicle swerving on the road, get out of their way and call 9-1-1.
- Fly instead of taking long road trips. If you are planning to take a road trip over four hours long, consider flying instead because it is a much safer mode of transportation. This way you won’t be contributing to road congestion and will avoid the risk of a motor vehicle accident. If you do decide to take a road trip, remember to be patient, use your turn signals, and avoid weaving in and out of traffic.
- Do not drive overnight. Driving while tired and in the dark can dramatically increase your risk of being involved in a serious motor vehicle accident. If you are planning to stay very late visiting with family or friends, see if it’s an option to stay there overnight and head home in the morning when it’s daylight and you’re rested (and the alcohol has definitely worn off).
Seek the Help of a Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car 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 larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! Since 1979, our personal injury law firm, Tario & Associates, P.S., has been dedicated to fighting for the rights of people injured throughout Washington State, with local offices in Bellingham and Mount Vernon to serve residents of Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and Snohomish counties. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you.
