Traffic fatalities typically tick up during the winter holidays because there are more people traveling by car and because of higher rates of alcohol consumption at holiday parties and family gatherings. With heavy traffic and drunk driving being two of the leading causes of traffic accidents, it’s not surprising that the holidays come with an increased risk of fatal crashes.
Losing a loved one in an accident is tragic at any time of the year, but Christmas traffic fatalities can be even more heart wrenching. While nothing can bring back your loved one, you have the right to seek justice and compensation for your losses through a car accident claim or wrongful death claim when your loved one was injured as a result of another driver’s negligence. Contact a local car accident attorney to discuss your legal rights and any appropriate next steps.
Christmas 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 2012 and 2022, an average of 329 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 and 25th overlap with or fall next to a weekend, the weekend dates would be included as well. The 2024 Christmas period will last between 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24 to 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, December 26. 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 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 52 lives could be saved this Christmas Day holiday period because of vehicle occupants wearing their seat belts. An additional 30 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 2022, 38 percent of drivers involved in fatal crashes tested positive for alcohol during the Christmas holiday period compared to the annual average of 32 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 Bellingham Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. 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 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! 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!
