Arkansas Driving During the Holidays

Holiday Driving Statistics

In the United States, the six major federal holidays include New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

As winter is here, the following data provides the designated time-periods for the approaching holidays:

• Celebrate Thanksgiving Day from 6 p.m. on November 25, 2020, until 11:59 p.m. on November 29, 2020.
• Enjoy Christmas Day from 6 p.m. on December 24, 2020, until 11:59 p.m. on December 27, 2020.
• Rejoice over New Year’s Day from 6 p.m. on December 31, 2020, until 11:59 p.m. on January 3, 2021.

Thanksgiving

During Thanksgiving, the average number of car collisions resulting in fatalities is approximately 417.

The average number of nonfatal medically consulted injuries (or injuries severe enough to consult a medical professional) that result from car crashes on or around Turkey Day is 47,500.

An estimated 165 lives are saved during the Thanksgiving holiday when people wear their seatbelts.

During this festive time, an average of 35% of car accident fatalities involves an alcohol-impaired driver.

Christmas

During Christmas, the average number of car collisions resulting in fatalities is approximately 115.

The average number of nonfatal medically consulted injuries (defined above) resulting from car crashes on or around Navidad is 13,100.

An estimated 101 lives are saved during Christmas when people wear their seatbelts.

During the holiday merriment, an average of 37% of car collision fatalities involves a drunk driver.

More than a third of all December traffic fatalities occur in the week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

New Year’s Day

During the New Year, the average number of car accidents resulting in fatalities is approximately 163.

The average number of nonfatal medically consulted injuries (defined above) resulting from car crashes on or around New Year’s is 18,600.

An estimated 144 lives are saved around this holiday when people wear their seatbelts.

During the celebrations, an average of 39% of car accident fatalities involves an intoxicated driver.

Most Common Holiday Driving Hazards

Look out for these four serious driving hazards during this holiday season:

• Distracted driving
• Impaired driving
• Aggressive driving
• Fatigued driving

When a driver experiences any of these hazards, a car crash has a much higher probability of occurring.

Ten Different Types of Car Collisions

The ten different types of car collisions include:

• Single-Car Accident
• Rear-End Collision
• Side-Impact Collision
• Head-on Collision
• Rollover
• Sideswipe
• Hit and Run
• Phantom Car Accident
• Off-Road Accident
• Multi-Vehicle Pileups

Safety Tips for Winter Holiday Driving

As you prepare your car for winter and holiday driving, ensure that you have an emergency preparedness kit.

Properly maintain your vehicle.

If your vehicle’s maintenance is not current, have a professional inspect your car and tires.

Before you get on the road, review the weather forecast and road conditions.

But once you are out there, keep your speed at the speed limit unless the road conditions are less than ideal.

Follow the car in front of you at a safe distance to give yourself plenty of stopping time.

Winter road conditions cause longer stopping distances, as well as reduce visibility.

Keep your headlights and taillights free of snow.

Avoid using cruise control during winter driving conditions as you need to have complete control of your vehicle when accelerating, determined by the road conditions.

If your car has anti-lock brakes, make sure you understand how they work and how to use them.

Remember that ramps and bridges will freeze before other types of roadways, so slow down.

If you know that you will be driving or in the car for an extended period, get a good night’s sleep before leaving to avoid drowsy driving.

Leave early to avoid heavy traffic, and make sure every passenger has fastened their seatbelt before leaving.

Put your cell phone someplace where it will not distract you while driving.

Also, make sure to practice defensive driving while out on Arkansas roadways.

Contact Us

If you are the victim of a car collision who has suffered severe personal injuries, the car accident attorneys at NWA Car Accident Attorney may be able to help you.

Contact them today for your free consultation!