Holidays are a time for celebrations, travel, and festivities. However, they also bring an increased risk of accidents due to factors like impaired driving, crowded roads, and reckless driving. In Ohio, as in the rest of the country, certain holidays consistently see higher rates of traffic accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. Car accident victims can consult an experienced Ohio personal injury lawyer to pursue a claim for damages against negligent drivers.
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Risks
New Year’s is among the most dangerous holidays on Ohio’s roads. With widespread parties and celebrations to welcome the new year, driving under the influence is a primary concern. According to the CDC, New Year’s Day has the highest percentage of alcohol-related traffic fatalities of any holiday. The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) increases patrols around New Year’s to address the spike in alcohol-related crashes.
Safety Tips
- Plan for a designated driver, or consider using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft.
- Take advantage of local free or discounted ride programs available in many Ohio cities to reduce impaired driving.
- If hosting a New Year’s Eve party, provide non-alcoholic drinks and encourage guests to arrange sober rides home.
Memorial Day Weekend
Risks
Memorial Day Weekend signals the start of summer and often involves travel, barbecues, and water activities. OSHP data indicates a rise in road traffic and fatal crashes during this holiday. Because many Ohioans use the long weekend to travel, the risk of distracted driving and drowsy driving also increases. Moreover, boating accidents and water-related injuries become more common as people head to lakes and rivers.
Safety Tips
- Avoid driving during peak hours, typically Friday afternoon and Monday evening.
- Make sure all passengers wear seat belts. Secure child passengers in appropriate car seats.
- Practice safety measures if enjoying water activities, like wearing life jackets and monitoring alcohol consumption around water.
Independence Day (Fourth of July)
Risks
The Fourth of July ranks as one of the deadliest holidays for traffic accidents, with an increase in drunk-driving incidents. Fireworks-related injuries and accidents are also common, especially in Ohio. A 2022 Ohio law allows residents to use certain types of fireworks legally on private property, which can add to the injury risk if not handled responsibly.
Safety Tips
- Avoid drinking and driving, and arrange for sober transportation if attending any July 4th festivities.
- Follow all fireworks safety instructions, keep a safe distance, and never allow children to handle fireworks.
- Keep pets safe and indoors, as fireworks can cause distress and may lead to accidents.
Labor Day Weekend
Risks
Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of summer and is one of the busiest times for travel. Like Memorial Day, it often involves road trips and family gatherings. OSHP reports an increase in accidents and traffic violations during Labor Day due to high travel volumes and impaired driving. Drowsy driving can also be a concern as people return home after a long weekend.
Safety Tips
- Schedule regular breaks during long drives. Share driving responsibilities if possible.
- Check your vehicle’s condition before a road trip, including tire pressure and fluid levels.
- Avoid driving late at night or during early morning hours to reduce the risk of drowsy driving.
Thanksgiving Holiday Period
Risks
Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the busiest travel holidays in Ohio, with families gathering from across the state and beyond. The “Thanksgiving holiday period” often includes the day before Thanksgiving, known for heavy traffic and drunk driving incidents as people gather for “Thanksgiving Eve” celebrations. The increase in travel combined with winter weather can lead to a spike in car accidents.
Safety Tips
- Consider leaving for your destination a day early to avoid peak traffic.
- Exercise caution if driving in adverse weather conditions and adjust your speed accordingly.
- Limit alcohol intake, especially if you’re the designated driver.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Risks
The Christmas holiday season is one of the most dangerous times for traffic accidents. Ohio’s cold winter weather brings added risks, including icy roads, limited visibility, and snow-covered highways. Christmas celebrations may also involve alcohol, which can increase the risk of impaired driving.
Safety Tips
- Use extra caution on the roads if winter weather conditions are severe, and consider postponing travel if necessary.
- Ensure all holiday guests have access to safe transportation if alcohol is involved in celebrations.
- Be mindful of driving in residential neighborhoods where children may be playing or crossing the street.
Studies Highlight the Most Dangerous Holidays in Ohio
A research study analyzing Ohio traffic data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration over the past 15 years reveals a troubling trend of increased fatal car accidents during certain holidays. The findings show a notable uptick in deadly crashes on days associated with holiday celebrations, with Thanksgiving emerging as the most dangerous holiday for Ohio drivers.
The study examined crash data across various holidays and identified four holidays with significant increases in fatal accidents, while others saw a decline. This holiday-specific increase in fatal car crashes may surprise many Ohioans, as certain holidays saw marked rises compared to other days of the same month.
Thanksgiving: Ohio’s Deadliest Holiday for Drivers
Thanksgiving sees the highest spike in fatal accidents in Ohio, with a striking 246% increase in fatal crashes compared to the November daily average. This means that, on average, Thanksgiving Day has 11.7 fatal crashes in Ohio, whereas a typical November day has just 3.4.
Several factors contribute to this surge in Thanksgiving-related fatalities on Ohio’s roadways. First, the night before Thanksgiving, sometimes called “Blackout Wednesday” or “Drinksgiving,” has become one of the busiest nights for bars, with many Ohioans attending parties or gatherings with friends before heading home to spend Thanksgiving with family. This heavy alcohol consumption and subsequent late-night driving lead to a heightened risk of impaired drivers on the road.
Thanksgiving is a peak travel day with people driving long distances to visit loved ones, which increases road congestion and the chances of drowsy driving and car accidents. Research from the National Safety Council underscores the dangers of drowsy driving, noting that going 20 hours without sleep can impair drivers as much as having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%.
Christmas: Another High-Risk Holiday for Fatal Crashes
Christmas Day ranks second in terms of increased traffic fatalities in Ohio, showing a 222% rise in deadly crashes compared to the daily average for December. Many of the factors influencing Thanksgiving traffic accidents also apply to Christmas, as people travel far to be with family and usually celebrate with alcohol. Winter weather also plays a role, as icy roads and poor visibility make driving more dangerous during this holiday season.
Labor Day and Memorial Day: Increased Crash Rates
Labor Day sees the next highest increase in Ohio fatal crashes, with a 121% jump from the monthly daily average. Labor Day weekend is often the last major celebration of summer, and roadways are packed with vacationers heading to and from destinations throughout the state. The warm weather, parties, and frequent alcohol use during this holiday contribute to more accidents, especially since many people plan long trips and drive late at night or early in the morning when they are tired.
Memorial Day, the holiday marking the unofficial start of summer, also shows an increase, though more modest at 5%, according to holiday accident statistics. This increase could be attributed to the beginning of the travel season in Ohio, which brings higher traffic volumes and possibly more risky driving behaviors as drivers head out for the holiday weekend.
General Holiday Safety Tips for Motorists
- Stay Sober or Plan Alternative Transportation: Drunk driving is one of the most preventable causes of holiday accidents. Use public transportation, designate a sober driver, or utilize rideshare services.
- Drive Defensively: Be alert for drivers who may be under the influence or distracted, especially during holidays known for increased drinking.
- Secure Child Passengers Properly: Ohio law requires that children under 15 be properly secured based on age, weight, and height. Ensure child safety seats are installed correctly.
- Be Prepared for Winter Conditions: For holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, Ohio drivers should equip their vehicles with winter tires and emergency kits.
- Check Local Laws and Resources: Ohio residents can consult the OSHP website or local authorities for updates on holiday traffic patterns, checkpoint locations, and safety initiatives.
Get Strong Legal Representation from a Seasoned Ohio Personal Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a motor vehicle crash, you need an attorney who puts you at the heart of every decision and approach. The Henry Law Firm is a client-centered partner with a proven track record of large settlements and verdicts achieved for its clients.
With a modern, 21st-century approach to personal injury law, we empower clients by ensuring they fully understand the process and actively participate in building a strong case.
While most cases settle before trial, we prepare every case as if it will go to court, building robust evidence and strategy designed to achieve the highest possible compensation for our clients. To schedule your free consultation, call us at (440) 337-0083 or contact us online.
