Chicago Car Accidents Increase During the Holidays

 Posted on November 09, 2023 in Car Accidents

The holidays are a busy time of year. Family members are making preparations to spend precious time with loved ones. 

With the holiday rush also comes an increase in car accidents. Each holiday season, thousands of car crashes take place, with hundreds of people suffering fatal injuries.

If you have been injured in a car accident during the holidays, you should contact a Chicago car accident lawyer today. 

Holiday Crash Statistics 

The holidays pose a safety risk for us all, with motor vehicle accidents being responsible for the highest number of fatalities. 

It is estimated that:

• The 2022 holiday season saw a significant increase in fatalities compared to 2019
• 518 people died in traffic accidents during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend
• 346 people died in traffic accidents during the Christmas Day holiday period
• 408 people died in traffic accidents during the New Year’s Day holiday period
• Thanksgiving 2022 fatalities were the highest since 2007

Why Do Car Accidents Increase During the Holidays?

Driving Longer Distances

Since many Americans stayed home during the 2020 holiday season to slow the spread of COVID-19, people are traveling more miles than ever before. In 2022, over 112 million people traveled more than 50 miles between Christmas and New Year’s to visit family.

Impaired Driving

In 2020, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, there were 209 deaths related to drunk driving. Impaired driving takes the lives of thousands of people annually, but takes a particularly serious toll during the holidays.

Unfortunately, intoxicated drivers often do not realize that they are in no condition to drive. If you feel different, you are going to drive differently.

Increase in Traffic

With more vehicles on the road, there is going to be a surge in accidents. Since the pandemic, it is now estimated that roughly 50 million Americans drive on Thanksgiving each year. That is nothing compared to the week between Christmas and New Year’s, with millions of people driving to reach their destinations.

How to Keep Yourself Safe

Here are some ways to keep yourself safe during the busiest time of year:

Buckle up

Seat belts are estimated to save the lives of thousands of people each year. If you are traveling by car to your holiday celebration, buckle up!

Give yourself extra time to travel

Planning your trip in advance will include planning for traffic or inclement weather. If you are traveling a long distance, you will want to give yourself extra time to get there.

Avoid alcohol

While everyone enjoys a glass of wine during the holidays, even one drink can cause a person to become impaired. If you are planning on consuming alcohol, make arrangements for a sober person to be behind the wheel.

Take regular breaks

Plan to stop at rest stops to eat, drink, and stretch your legs. If you are driving more than 8 hours in a given day, you may want to consider booking a room at a hotel before resuming your travels the next day.

Even if you take the necessary precautions, you may still be involved in a car accident. If an insurance company approaches you about a settlement, you should contact a Chicago car accident lawyer to help you fight for the money you deserve.

Contact a Chicago, IL Car Accident Lawyer Today

While the holidays give us all the chance to enjoy time with loved ones, getting to your destination can come with risks. If you have been the victim of a car accident, our Chicago, IL, car accident attorneys are here to help. Contact us online or call 312-236-6324, and someone from the legal team of Winters Salzetta O'Brien & Richardson, LLC can help. Consultations are free, and you do not pay a dime unless we win your case.