The Dangers of Traveling During the Holidays

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year are all the top long distance travel periods of the year, with more than 90% of travelers driving a personal vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that the increase in accidents during this time of year is due to a combination of more cars on the road and alcohol-impaired driving. In fact, during the years 2001 to 2005, fatal accidents involving an alcohol-impaired driver rose by about 34% when comparing an average day in the year to Christmas or New Year’s Day.

The holidays are not solely dangerous to drivers, but to pedestrians as well. The Injury Prevention journal reported that, in 2005, more pedestrians die on New Year’s Day than any other throughout the year. Many of these deaths involved intoxication – for the driver or the pedestrian. However, in terms of alcohol-related accidents and arrests, Thanksgiving Eve, sometimes referred to as “Black Wednesday”, ranks high with New Year’s weekend. It is known for being one of, if not the most, busy night of the year for bars, where social drinking is done in extreme excess.

After a crash in Walton County on the night of December 11, 2016, one person was left in critical condition while another died. Two vehicles collided, causing one to roll over. While the details of what led up to this accident is not yet known, it is clear that we are already in the midst of another deadly holiday season for travelers and it is crucial to drive safely or take the right precautions to ensure that you get to your destination in a manner that not only keeps you safe, but others on the road as well.

The Pittman Firm, P.A. has over three decades of legal experience handling serious injury and auto accident cases. We have the knowledge, determination, and skill to aggressively pursue the maximum compensation for injuries or losses you have suffered. Call us at 850-724-4792 for a free case evaluation.