What Holidays Have the Most Traffic Accidents?

The holidays are a time for celebrating with loved ones, relaxing, and enjoying great food—but a traffic accident in Florida can quickly disrupt the joy. Sometimes, holiday celebrations can go too far and lead to dangerous accidents. That’s why it’s a good idea to think about holiday safety ahead of time.

Too many drivers get behind the wheel while intoxicated, too many are in a hurry to get from point A to point B, and too many are too distracted to safely operate a vehicle. Then, what should be a joyous occasion can quickly take a turn for the worst.

At Colling Gilbert Wright, we understand how traumatic any traffic accident can be. It can feel even more difficult and frustrating when it occurs over the holidays. We are here to help accident victims understand their rights, navigate the claims process, and recover the compensation they deserve for their damages.

If you have been in a traffic accident in Florida, contact the dedicated Orlando car accident attorneys at Colling Gilbert Wright as soon as possible so we can pursue the justice you deserve. Call us at (407) 712-7300 to schedule your FREE consultation.

Holiday Traffic Accident Statistics

There is a clear and significant risk of a traffic accident in Florida during the holidays. These tragic accidents can sometimes be fatal. Often there is an increased police presence on major roads due to the dangers.

Here are some eye-opening statistics about holiday traffic accidents that everyone should be aware of:

• From 2018-2022, 11,100 people died in traffic accidents over major holidays.
• It is 13.9% more dangerous to drive over the holidays compared to non-holidays.
• 38% of holiday car accident fatalities are caused by alcohol-impaired driving.
• Memorial Day and the 4th of July saw the most alcohol-related fatalities, with 40.2% of crash deaths involving drunk drivers.
• Speeding contributed to 31.1% of holiday fatalities, and distracted driving accounted for 7.4%.
• Florida is one of the top 5 most dangerous states for driving during the holidays.

Which holidays tend to be the most dangerous can often come down to how long that holiday period is. Statistics look not only at the actual day of the holiday but also the days surrounding it. If a holiday falls on a Thursday or Friday, accidents over that entire weekend will be evaluated.

The 4th of July is generally considered the most dangerous day of the year to be driving, in no small part because of the role alcohol plays in most celebrations. Between 2018 and 2022, 716 people lost their lives on the 4ths of July—an average of six fatalities every hour on those days.

Since most people tend to stay at home—or, at least, in a loved one’s home—over Christmas day and most restaurants and shops are closed, traffic is generally relatively low. On the other hand, far more people tend to drive on Thanksgiving Day and there are fewer closures. This increased traffic makes Thanksgiving one of the more accident-heavy holidays, especially for pedestrians.

What Holiday Has the Most Fatalities?

According to ValuePenguins analysis of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, Labor Day saw the most fatalities from 2018 to 2022, with 2,462 lives lost in that period.

Labor Day is followed by:

• Thanksgiving: 2,456 fatalities
• Memorial Day: 2,292 fatalities
• 4th of July: 2,228 fatalities
• Christmas: 1,662 fatalities

In addition to these tragedies, there are tens of thousands of accidents and injuries that, sadly, could easily be avoided if all drivers followed some basic holiday safety tips.

Holiday Safety Tips

First and foremost, always make sure to avoid dangerous behaviors such as:

• Driving under the influence: With roughly a third of all fatalities caused by alcohol-impaired driving, avoiding driving while intoxicated is the number one most important safety tip.
• Reckless driving: Speeding is the second identified cause of accident fatalities over the holidays. Running late isn’t an excuse for careless behavior.
• Distracted driving: Distracted driving is also common over the holidays as drivers text, talk on the phone, tinker with GPS, and more while driving.
• Drowsy driving: While not as common as drunk, reckless, or distracted driving, drowsy driving still led to 186 fatalities over the holidays from 2018-2022.

At the same time, remember that other drivers are not always going to avoid these behaviors. No matter how responsible you are, driving defensively is critical for preventing accidents caused by less responsible drivers.

More holiday safety tips when other drivers are behaving erratically:

• Drive the speed limit and stay on the right side of the road unless passing
• Stay on the lookout for vehicles that are weaving or swerving, and keep a safe distance
• Always use turn signals, yield the right of way, and avoid braking too quickly

At the end of the day, patience and maintaining your composure—even if other drivers are failing to do their part—are the best ways to avoid a traffic accident in Florida over the holidays.

What To Do If You Are in a Holiday Traffic Accident in Florida

If you do find yourself in an accident over the holidays, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your future claim:

1. Call 911: If the damage is significant or someone has been injured, you should always call 911 to report the accident, even if someone insists they will cover your costs out of pocket.
2. Get medical attention: Make sure you receive the treatment you need for your injuries as soon as possible. Failing to do so is not only a bad choice for your well-being, but it could also harm your claim when you seek to recover compensation.
3. Exchange information with the other driver: Make sure you get the other driver’s name, driver’s license number, license plate number, insurance provider and policy number, and contact information.
4. Document the scene: If you are able, use your phone to document the accident with photos or videos, including the vehicle damage and road conditions.

If you’ve suffered severe injuries in a traffic accident in Florida, it is important to get in touch with a motor vehicle accident attorney. They can review your case and help you choose the best path forward.

Colling Gilbert Wright Can Help

We hope everyone stays safe this holiday season! If you are seriously injured in a traffic accident in Florida, know that the experienced attorneys at Colling Gilbert Wright are here to help.

From gathering evidence and calculating damages to negotiating with insurance companies, we know what it takes to navigate the claims process and protect your rights.

Contact our Florida car accident attorneys today to get started with a FREE consultation.