You assume risks every time you get into a vehicle. All drivers face risks of injury posed by inexperienced or teenage drivers, distracted drivers, drivers who speed or otherwise drive recklessly, nighttime driving, and the list goes on.
However, there are some more dangerous days for auto accidents than others. Mostly, these days are holidays where the potential for driving under the influence and driving while distracted are heightened. Additionally, there are seemingly random days of the year that also see an increased number of auto injuries.
If you are reading this article, you are likely a cautious driver who wants to be aware of potential dangers so you can be prepared. For drivers like you, we have researched the most dangerous days for auto accidents during the year.
Holidays
Holidays increase the risk of dangerous driving conditions. Among the most dangerous days for auto accidents are St. Patrick’s Day, New Year’s Eve and Day, July 4th, Christmas Eve and Day, Thanksgiving Eve and Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day.
St. Patrick’s Day
There is no way around it: drinking holidays heighten the risk of drunk drivers. St. Patrick Day is one of the biggest drinking holidays in the U.S. In 2019, 57 people died in drunk driving collisions on St. Patrick’s Day.
The best way to lower this number is to designate a driver on St. Patrick’s Day. Another option is to stay home and invite friends to celebrate in a more low-key way.
New Year’s Eve and Day
Also unsurprisingly, New Year’s Eve and Day are two of the most dangerous days for auto accidents during the year. Americans, on average, consume 4.4 alcoholic beverages on New Year’s Eve. In addition to the increased number of drunk drivers on New Year’s Eve, people are more likely to be distracted when driving on New Year’s Day. This distraction is attributable to people being focused on their new year’s resolutions or recovering from the night before.
July 4th
As people are celebrating America’s independence, they don’t realize that Independence Day is among the deadliest driving days of the year. Combined with occuring during the heat of the summer—which is always a more dangerous time for drivers—many people chose to celebrate the holiday with alcohol and a barbeque. Alcohol consumption coupled with spending time outdoors in the backyard, at the lake, or in the wilderness can lead to dehydration and increase people’s BAC. This can faster reduce people’s inhibitions and lead to a higher occurrence of drinking and driving.
Christmas Eve and Day
Another holiday that sees an increase in dangerous driving conditions is Christmas. Both December 24th and 25th record higher-than-average auto collisions, and in 2019, 38% of those crashes involved drunk drivers. In addition to the stress and excitement that surround the holiday, Christmas also takes place during one of the snowiest months of the year. Snow and ice on the roads lead drivers to be less defensive and can increase the number of collisions.
Thanksgiving Eve and Day
Similarly to Christmas, this late autumn holiday yields one of the most dangerous days for auto accidents during the year. Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year, and AAA reports that more than 50 million people traveled more than 50 miles from home to celebrate this holiday in 2018. In 2020, the National Safety Council estimated that 485 people would die in auto collisions on Thanksgiving.
Memorial Day and Labor Day
The bookends of the summer, Memorial Day and Labor Day are highly celebrated holidays. People will spend time outdoors and with their friends on these three-day weekends. With this increased socializing and potential for consuming alcohol comes a higher number of DUIs on Memorial Day and Labor Day. For example, California arrested nearly 1,000 people for DUI over Memorial Day weekend in 2021.
Other Dangerous Days
While holidays greatly increase the risk of finding yourself in dangerous road conditions, they are definitely not the only days of the year that are dangerous for motorists. In addition to these days, some other days also top the list of the most dangerous driving days for auto accidents during the year.
June 21
June 21 is the summer solstice, making it the longest day of the year. This means there is the most daylight during this day, so people are busily out and about. This high congestion on the roadway might contribute to June 21 being one of the most dangerous driving days for auto accidents.
August 2
Nationwide Insurance reports that August 2 is one of the deadliest driving days of the year. Some attribute this to the warm and sunny weather that often accompanies August. Additionally, as most schools return to session in late August and early September, teenagers are soaking up their last days of summer on August 2. This means that they might be more distracted and paying less attention to the road, making road conditions more dangerous for other drivers.
September 16
In 2019, the month of September saw 3,308 traffic deaths nationwide. September 16 in particular saw an average of 131 deaths between 2015 and 2019.
November 11
Finally, as the holidays approach, November 11—Veterans Day—is another dangerous driving day for vehicle drivers and pedestrians alike.
Snow Days and Saturdays
Finally, snow days and Saturdays are also more dangerous driving days for auto accidents. On all these days, the risk of getting injured in an auto accident is much higher than the average day you decide to get in a vehicle.
Silva Injury Law, Inc. Is Here For You
If you are hurt in a collision, an attorney can help you recover compensation for your injuries. The lawyers at Silva Injury Law, Inc. are experienced auto vehicle accident lawyers that can represent your accident claim for numerous car accident injuries like
- Traumatic brain injury,
- Broken bone,
- Spinal injury, and
- Post traumatic stress disorder.
If you are injured in a car crash on one of the most dangerous days for auto accidents during the year, or any other day, contact the attorneys at Silva Injury Law, Inc.
Find Out How We Can Help
At Silva Injury Law we promote healing through compassionate advocacy. With each case tailored to the individual, we look our for your best interests by evaluating your unique circumstances. Contact us today for a FREE in person or remote consultation.