People want to spend quality time with those they love during the holidays. Unfortunately, getting to the people we love can sometimes involve hours of travel and potentially dangerous road conditions. Traffic accidents, especially drunk driving-related accidents, tend to skyrocket during the holiday season.
What are the most dangerous holidays? At Murphy Crantford Meehan, Attorneys at Law, we have a list of some of the most dangerous holidays of the year.
The Most Dangerous Holidays
Recent accident statistics show South Carolina is the most dangerous state for driving during the holidays. Data shows that November and December are the deadliest months in South Carolina, with more than 1.9 fatal crashes per 100 million miles driven. That means Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, some of the most popular holidays, can be the deadliest for motor vehicle accidents.
Thanksgiving
AAA estimates that nearly 49.13 million people traveled for the Thanksgiving holiday by motor vehicle. That’s a lot of cars congesting local roadways and snarling traffic. Distracted driving is also prevalent as people worry more about making it to Grandma’s in time for dinner than what’s on the road in front of them. One set of data shows that in a five-year period, 2,456 people lost their lives in traffic accidents over the Thanksgiving holiday.
Impaired driving is also a significant concern around the Thanksgiving holiday. One study suggests you have a 55 percent higher-than-average risk of encountering a drunk driver over Thanksgiving.
Christmas
Unfortunately, Christmas is another dangerous holiday for motor vehicle travel. In addition to the increase in the number of impaired drivers on the roads, inclement weather, and careless drivers can also cause devastating holiday traffic collisions. South Carolina may not be covered in a thick blanket of snow, but ice and slick road conditions can still be a concern when traveling.
Use caution when driving for the holidays, and check SCDOT for up-to-date road and weather conditions before you leave the house. Also, learn to recognize the signs of drunk driving so you can avoid those road users and keep your family safe over the Christmas holiday.
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Few holidays are as synonymous with drinking and celebrations as New Year’s. It is common to break out the bubbly and ring in the New Year with a drink. Unfortunately, many people take their New Year celebrations to the extreme without planning a way to get home at the end of the night. Some estimates show that you have a 117 percent higher-than-average risk of encountering a drunk driver on New Year’s Day compared to any other time of the year.
During the holiday season, especially from Christmas to New Year’s, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety ramps up its efforts to curb drunk driving and save lives. The department seeks to remind residents through billboards, public service announcements, and videoboards about the danger and repercussions of drunk driving this holiday season. The South Carolina Highway Patrol also tends to intensify its efforts to combat drunk driving with its “Sober or Slammer” campaign. You can also expect more DUI checkpoints and law enforcement presence on local roadways.
Independence Day
Independence Day is one of the most dangerous summer holidays on South Carolina roads, especially when the holiday creates a three-day weekend. Many people celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks and plenty of alcohol, meaning there is a significant increase in the number of impaired drivers on the roads. Estimates indicate you have a 77 percent higher-than-average risk of encountering a drunk driver, and Independence Day is one of the deadliest DUI weekends of the year.
Labor Day
The end of summer, which coincides with the Labor Day holiday, is also a deadly time for motorists. In four years, 2,351 people lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents over the long Labor Day holiday weekend. Labor Day is another popular holiday for enjoying the outdoors and a little extra alcohol. Roadways may also be more crowded because travelers head out of town for a little getaway before returning to the grind of work and school.
Common Holiday-Related Car Accident Injuries
Holiday car accidents can be some of the most dangerous. Drunk, tired, and distracted drivers can cause devastating accidents that lead to significant and life-long injuries for victims. Common holiday-related accident injuries tend to include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Paralysis
- Whiplash
- Other neck and spine injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Contusions
- Lacerations
- Burns
Get in Touch with an Experienced South Carolina Accident Attorney
Has a careless South Carolina driver injured you over the holiday? An experienced South Carolina lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact Murphy Crantford Meehan, Attorneys at Law, for help and a free consultation. Call us at (843) 396-3840.
