Holiday Car Accidents: The 6 Most Dangerous Holidays to Travel.
Holiday travels bring Holiday traffic – and Holiday traffic, unfortunately, brings injuries and even deaths to a time that should be spent celebrating with family. According to a report released by the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) the Holidays bring a sharp increase in auto accidents and deaths. The agency created a list of the 6 most dangerous Holidays to Travel on according to the statistics reported from 2009.
1. Memorial Day: 473 auto accident fatalities / 42 percent of the auto accidents involved alcohol.
2. New Year’s: 460 auto accident fatalities / 40 percent of the auto accidents involved alcohol.
3. Thanksgiving: 411 auto accident fatalities / 34 percent of the auto accidents involved alcohol.
4. Fourth of July: 410 auto accident fatalities / 40 percent of the auto accidents involved alcohol.
5. Labor Day: 360 auto accident fatalities / 38 percent of the auto accidents involved alcohol.
6. Christmas: 262 auto accident fatalities / 37 percent of the auto accidents involved alcohol.
We know Holiday Travel can’t be avoided but it is possible to reduce the risk of serious injury from a car accident. A few steps you can take to help avoid a car accident are injury are:
1. Proper Maintenance of your vehicle: Check your tires – the wear and air pressure. Change your brake pads. Change your oil. Change your belts. Have any recalls or known issues repaired – a well-maintained car is less likely to experience mechanical or tire failure and keep you safe.
2. Fly: It's not always possible, practical, or affordable but when you can – fly and keep your car off the roads for as much of the trip as you can.
3. Travel a day early or late: If you can drive a day before the Holiday travel peaks you can reduce your risk of being involved in an accident.