Stay Off the Roads During These Dangerous Days
Driving on Pennsylvania’s roadways can be dangerous at any time of the year, but certain holidays present a higher risk for injury or death compared to others. It is important to remember that holidays often bring more drivers on the roads and the potential for more people driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The more precautions you take, the safer you and everyone else will be on the road.
At Freeburn Law, we represent individuals who have been injured in accidents throughout Central Pennsylvania. Our lawyers will help you navigate the legal process, including filing a claim to obtain compensation after an accident. If you were injured in a Pennsylvania crash, contact our office at 717-777-7777 to schedule a free case evaluation today.
What Are the Most Dangerous Holidays for Driving in PA?
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), there is normally an increase in the number of crashes on state roadways during the holidays due to a larger volume of traffic. Unfortunately, the periods before and after a holiday can be as dangerous, if not more, compared to the actual holiday.
As reported by the PennDOT, the most dangerous holidays in 2022 were:
- Post-Thanksgiving – The post-Thanksgiving holiday period accounted for the largest number of holiday fatalities.
- Post-New Year’s – The weekend following New Year’s saw the highest number of crashes (1,606), compared to 515 on New Year’s Day.
- Thanksgiving – Thanksgiving had the highest number of crashes on an actual holiday.
- Memorial Day – Memorial Day saw the second-highest number of crashes for a holiday in Pennsylvania.
- Labor Day – Labor Day had the highest number of accident-related fatalities on an actual holiday.
- Pre-Thanksgiving – The period before Thanksgiving saw the second-highest number of crashes on Pennsylvania roadways.
The PennDOT reports that last year, 10% of all holiday accidents and 33% of fatalities during holiday weekends involved alcohol use. The period before Thanksgiving saw the highest number of alcohol-related crashes, while the period after Thanksgiving saw the highest number of alcohol-related fatalities. What Are the Most Dangerous Holidays for Driving in the U.S.?
While the Thanksgiving holiday period tends to be a particularly dangerous and deadly time on Pennsylvania roadways, nationally, the story is slightly different. According to the National Safety Council, Independence Day, or the 4th of July, is the most dangerous time on American roadways.
The Thanksgiving holiday period extending from Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at 6:00 pm until Sunday, November 26, 2023, at 11:59 pm, is reportedly the second most deadly holiday to be on the road. The National Safety Council estimates that 507 people could be killed this Thanksgiving. The number is only slightly less than the 514 people who died during this period in 2021 (the most recent year available).
A large number of these fatalities involve alcohol impairment. 36% of fatalities involved alcohol impairment during the Thanksgiving Day holiday period in 2021. Normally, only 31% of fatal traffic accidents involve alcohol use.
Injured in a Pennsylvania Accident? Contact Our Office.
Were you or a loved one injured in a Pennsylvania car accident? Contact our office at 717-777-7777 to schedule a free case evaluation. Our lawyers will work with you to ensure you receive the largest recovery possible. Call now to speak directly with an experienced member of our legal team.