

Traffic Fatalities: Top 6 Most Dangerous Holidays to Travel
With most Americans working full time, it makes sense that people want to take advantage of holiday long-weekends to travel to visit friends and family. Many people choose to drive to their destinations, adding traffic on the roads that can increase the risk of accidents and traffic fatalities. Data from the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) shows that increased traffic on holidays does lead to more accidents.
If you’re heading out for a short or long road-trip this upcoming Labor Day weekend, be aware that there will be more traffic on the roads and likely an increase of drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Traffic Fatalities: Top 6 Most Dangerous Holidays to Travel
In a chart created by the National Safety Council that tracks traffic fatalities on six major holidays between 1996 and 2020, Labor Day and Fourth of July are tied for the highest average number of fatalities per day of each holiday at 137 fatalities each. This is followed closely by 134 average deaths per day on the Memorial Day long-weekend. Next is Thanksgiving with average daily traffic fatalities of 115; New Year’s Day with 112 and Christmas Day with 102.
- Labor Day
Labor Day is often seen as the “last hurrah” before fall weather sets in. Many families host picnics and parties that involve alcohol over the Labor Day weekend. A recent survey from travelpulse.com reveals that more than half of US adults plan to travel this Labor Day. With 137 average fatalities per day of the Labor Day long weekend, it’s extra important to stay sober and drive defensively to reduce your chances of being involved in a car accident.
- Fourth of July
Independence Day is tied with Labor Day as the deadliest average holiday. It goes without saying that many Americans drink more than they usually would at fourth of July celebrations. According to travelandleisure.com, more than 47 million people traveled during the most recent July 4 holiday weekend.
- Memorial Day
Third on the list for average daily holiday fatalities is Memorial Day. Here again, alcohol is commonly associated with Memorial Day barbeques. A survey from travelagentcentral.com showed that more than 37 million people likely traveled during our most recent Memorial Day long weekend.
- Thanksgiving
The Thanksgiving holiday comes in fourth on the list of most dangerous holidays. Data from thevacationer.com shows that approximately 27 million people traveled during the most recent Thanksgiving holiday period. In addition to heavier traffic, alcohol is often served at Thanksgiving meals and the night before Thanksgiving is commonly known as a party night for college-aged students.
- New Year’s Day
New Year’s is associated with sparkling wine toasts and partying late into the night. It’s also a popular time to travel to house parties, hotels, night clubs, etc. With the increase in alcohol consumption, it’s no wonder that New Year’s makes the list of the deadliest holidays.
- Christmas
Last but not least is the Christmas holiday. With so many people traveling to see family and letting loose with food and alcohol once they get to their destination, it’s no wonder we see an increase in car accidents during the Christmas holiday.
While much work has been done to educate the public about the dangers of drinking and driving, there is still a lot of room for improvement. If you travel during any holiday periods, please take extra care on the roads.
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! 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!