The winter holiday season brings joy, celebration, and increased travel on our roadways. While this festive time of year creates wonderful opportunities to connect with loved ones, it also presents unique driving challenges that require extra attention to safety.

Holiday Car Accident Statistics

Just how dangerous are the holidays when it comes to vehicular accidents? Let’s look at some statistics.

From 2018 to 2022, 386 fatal traffic accidents occurred on Halloween night, and 52% of vehicle occupants involved in these accidents were drunk. Halloween can also be very dangerous for pedestrians, especially children. Reportedly, child pedestrians are three times more likely to be fatally injured in a car collision; kids aged four to eight have an even greater risk, with research suggesting they have a ten times greater risk of being hit and killed by a vehicle.

The National Safety Council tracks holiday auto accident data and makes estimates on how many fatal crashes may occur during holiday periods. Their holiday accident statistics show that:

• An estimated 507 fatal accidents will occur during the Thanksgiving holiday period in 2023, and 36% of these accidents involved an impaired driver.
• An estimated 345 fatal accidents will occur during the Christmas holiday period in 2023, with over 35% of the accidents involving an impaired driver.
• An estimated 376 fatal accidents will occur during the New Year’s holiday period in 2024, which is an 8% decrease from the previous year.

According to 2016-2020 data collected from AutoInsurance.com, fatal car accidents are four percent higher on Thanksgiving than on a regular day. However, Arizona has not experienced a significant shift in Thanksgiving holiday accidents. AutoInsurance.com research concerning holiday accidents also suggests that:

• More than a third of fatal Thanksgiving Day accidents involve a drunk driver.
• Weather and tourism are two of the most important factors that can impact travel safety in certain states.
• There are fewer holiday accidents than on a regular day in Arizona, unlike in other states.

However, as many people travel for the holidays, Arizonans should still be mindful of what leads to holiday accidents, as other states are not as safe. Our neighboring states, California and New Mexico, experience an increase in holiday accidents, especially during the Halloween weekend.

What Leads to the Increase of Car Accidents During the Holidays?

The surge in motor vehicle accidents during holiday periods can be attributed to several interconnected factors that create heightened risk conditions on our roadways, including:

• The holiday seasons typically see a dramatic increase in traffic volume as people travel to visit family, attend celebrations, or take vacations. This higher density of vehicles naturally increases the statistical likelihood of collisions. According to azcentral, in 2023, 2.2 million Arizonans were going to be traveling during the Christmas holiday season, with December 23^rd being the busiest travel day, and over 1 million Arizonans and 55.4 Americans were traveling over 50 miles for Thanksgiving. The number of drivers on the road increased state and nationwide between 2022 and 2023.
• Impaired driving presents another significant risk factor during holiday periods. Festive celebrations often involve alcohol consumption, and despite widespread awareness campaigns, some individuals still choose to drive while intoxicated. Studies indicate that alcohol-related crashes can increase by up to 40% during holiday periods compared to non-holiday periods. This risk is compounded by the fact that impaired drivers are more likely to be on the road during late evening and early morning hours when visibility is reduced.
• Weather conditions during winter holidays introduce additional hazards. Many regions experience adverse weather, including snow, ice, and freezing rain, which reduces traction and visibility. These conditions become especially dangerous when combined with drivers who may be unfamiliar with winter driving techniques or operating vehicles not properly equipped for winter conditions. The earlier sunset during winter months also means more drivers are traveling in darkness, further increasing accident risk.
• Driver fatigue and stress represent another crucial factor. Long-distance holiday travel, often undertaken after work hours or during compressed timeframes, can lead to drowsy driving. Additionally, the pressure to arrive at destinations on time, navigate through heavy traffic, and manage holiday-related stress can result in distracted driving or aggressive behavior behind the wheel.

Avoiding Car Accidents During the Holidays: Safety Tips

Consider these tips to help keep you and others protected on the road during the holidays:

• Plan your route and timing carefully. Check weather forecasts before long trips and consider traveling during off-peak hours to avoid heavy traffic. Let your family or friends know your expected arrival time.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. At holiday gatherings, designate a sober driver, call a rideshare service, or arrange to stay overnight. The cost of a ride is minimal compared to risking lives.
• Watch for pedestrians, especially around Halloween. Children may dart into the streets unexpectedly, wearing dark costumes with limited visibility. Drive slowly in residential areas and keep scanning the road edges.
• Maintain your vehicle for the appropriate weather conditions. Check your battery, wipers, tires, and antifreeze levels before cold weather hits. Keep an emergency kit with blankets, flashlights, and basic supplies.
• Practice patience and courtesy. Holiday stress can lead to aggressive driving, but remaining calm and considerate helps everyone reach their destinations safely. Leave extra following distance and avoid rushing.

Injured in a Holiday Accident? Contact Our Attorneys!

Since 1947, Alex & Associates, P.C. has been committed to helping those injured and who suffered losses because of other parties’ negligence. We have recovered millions for our clients and are known for treating our clients like family and acting with their best interests in mind.

Should you or a loved one suffer injuries in a car, vehicular, or pedestrian accident this holiday season, you can trust our firm to be right there beside you, fighting for your right to fair compensation. When you retain our services, we can help you collect supporting evidence, establish fault, calculate your damages, connect with expert witnesses, and handle negotiations or litigation.

Learn more about how our attorney can help or schedule an initial consultation by calling (602) 483-6114.