A Lawyer's Guide to Car Accidents Around Holidays in North Carolina
Raleigh Injury Lawyer Explains Why Holidays Car Accidents Are So Common in North Carolina
It’s an American tradition unlike any other: some 49.3 million drivers will hit the roadways in the three weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas to see friends and family and overeat on holiday favorites, but nearly 47,500 holiday-goers will be injured in a car accident before they reach their destinations. Whether it’s Memorial Day weekend, New Years Eve, the Fourth of July, or Christmas, we always see an increase in car accidents around the holidays. This guide explores the facts, factors, and data surrounding dangerous holiday travel in North Carolina.
Why Do Car Accidents Occur More Frequently on Holidays in North Carolina?
Thanksgiving, and particularly the night before known as “Drinksgiving,” is one of the most dangerous times of the year to be driving a motor vehicle. But we see an increase in motor vehicle accidents around each of the major holidays, particularly if the holiday is associated with drinking or partying. The reasons more car accidents occur include:
More Drivers on the road - travel is common for holidays when you see folks in bumper-to-bumper traffic on the way out of town to the beach, fireworks, the lake, or a Christmas party. More traffic = more accidents.
Alcohol - according to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHSTA), 35% of car fatalities around holidays involved a drunk driver.
Distracted Driving - Texting while driving, talking on the phone, eating while driving, and talking with passengers are common causes for car accidents, which only become more severe when the weather worsens and there are more drivers on the road.
Poor Weather - whether it’s hurricane winds and rain, snow, or sudden overnight freezes and icy conditions, poor weather is a significant contributor to car accidents. Unfortunately, the importance and sense of obligation around the holidays cause many drivers to “brave” poor weather conditions when they should stay at home.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance - everyday stresses about money around the holidays cause many drivers to ignore or put off regular vehicle maintenance during this time of year. Poor tire and brake maintenance, in particular, is a frequent cause of car accidents when faced with poor weather and stop-and-go traffic conditions.
Drowsy Driving - trying to beat the traffic with early morning or overnight driving, combined with long days of drinking or time in the sun, can take its toll on drivers and often leads to serious car accidents.
Stress Driving - rushed schedules, crying children, and trying to do too much in too little time contributes to holiday car accidents.
The Most Dangerous States for Holiday Car Accidents.
Rest easy that North Carolina did not make the list, but according to a consumer trends analysis, these are the most dangerous states for drivers around the holidays (when comparing average fatality rates):
Mississippi
North Dakota
Wyoming
South Carolina (our neighbor to the south)
Arkansas
Alabama
Oklahoma
New Mexico
South Dakota
Montana
What Can You Do to Avoid a Holiday Car Accident in North Carolina?
Being safer on the roadway during the holidays only requires a little extra patience, preparation, and vigilance. Particularly around Thanksgiving, consider these tips to increase your chances of arriving to your destination safely:
Drive at the Right Time - according to the NHSTA, the most dangerous time to be on the road is from 6pm until 9pm while everyone is rushing to dinner and then hurrying back home to put the kids to bed.
Take a Break - in a surprising statistic, serious car accidents are more likely to occur in less populated rural areas than in high traffic urban areas. Why? Drivers are more likely to feel tired or be distracted when surrounded by long stretches of land than in busy city centers. If you’re driving a long distance, take frequent (short) breaks so you can better focus on the road.
Don’t Drive Drowsy - turkey, sun, and alcohol are well-known for causing sleepy holiday party-goers, so if you’ve had too much to drink, UV rays (or turkey), you shouldn’t be driving.
What Should I Do if I’m Involved in a Holiday Car Accident in North Carolina?
Unfortunately, as many of our clients can attest, even if you are being safe and doing everything right, you can’t account for other drivers on the roadway. Good drivers are frequently involved in car accidents, often times through no fault of their own. If you or a family member is involved in a car accident this holiday season, don’t panic or let it ruin your time with family. However, whether the car accidents causes serious or fatal injuries or just minor scrapes and bruises, you should consider contacting an experienced car accident lawyer in Raleigh.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Holiday Car Accident Lawyers in Raleigh, NC
If you holiday takes a scary turn, contact an experienced car accident lawyer who gets results. It is important to note that each case is different, and the specific laws and regulations that apply will depend on the circumstances of the accident. If you have been involved in a car accident in North Carolina, do not wait speak with an experienced car accident lawyer in Raleigh, NC who can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.
