Every year, hundreds of people on average die on U.S. Roads in the days surrounding New Year’s. This year, the National Safety Council estimated 308 to 467 traffic deaths based on a variety of data.
It is unfortunate that such projections exist, but the reality is that each year New Year’s is one of the most dangerous times of the year for American roads. Here are a few of the biggest factors that cause this:
- Alcohol: Right off the bat, we have to consider one of the biggest factors influencing these traffic fatality numbers—alcohol. New Year’s is one of the biggest drinking holidays of the year, and unfortunately far too many people take to the roads after drinking excessively rather than making other plans. In doing so, they endanger everyone else on the road with them.
- Late night driving: More accidents occur late at night than during the day, due to a greater likelihood of driver fatigue or inebriation. In the case of New Year’s, it could well be both.
- Clogged roadways: With so many people out and about on New Year’s Eve, the roads are likely to be busier late at night than they would usually be. Increased traffic congestion means an increase in potential for severe accidents.
These three factors generally elevate New Year’s above other holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas, with regard to dangers on the roads. In fact, most years New Year’s is only rivaled by the Fourth of July in terms of numbers of traffic fatalities across the United States.
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver over the holidays, contact an experienced Bradenton, Fl personal injury lawyer at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez & Walsh for legal representation.