Stress, Holiday Traffic, and Car Accidents
Please be advised that the following topic is for informational purposes only and not a legal matter currently handled by our firm. If you need further assistance regarding this particular topic, you can contact your local Bar Association for a referral to an attorney who may be able to address your inquiry in more detail.
It’s that time of year again—time to give joy and spread holiday cheer. For many, this is one of the best times of the year as it means they get to celebrate with family and friends.
However, as joyous as the holidays are, they can come with risks as well. In particular, there is an increase in holiday traffic between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, which means there is an increased risk of getting into a car accident.Â
But what exactly causes this spike in California car accidents this time of year? Let’s find out.Â
Holiday Car Accident Statistics
The period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day sees a major uptick in traffic due to holiday travel. And historically, the days between just Christmas and New Year’s Day are considered the deadliest period for drivers.Â
- In 2021, the NSC estimated close to 400 fatalities as a result of holiday traffic accidents (they have yet to release their estimates for 2022)
- Nonfatal holiday car accident injuries were estimated to be around 42,000
- 38% of holiday traffic fatalities are the result of drunk driving
- Most deadly holiday car accidents happen on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m.
- The 29th of December is considered the safest day to drive during the holidays
What Holiday Has the Most Car Accidents?
Though the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s holiday periods are considered the most deadly for drivers, each of those holidays individually does not have the most car accidents. It is actually Memorial Day which historically has the highest number of car accidents on a single day, with around 448 fatal crashes each year.Â
What Causes the Increase in Holiday Traffic and Holiday Car Accidents?Â
So, we know that car accidents increase over the holidays, but what exactly is causing this increase in holiday traffic and accidents?Â
- Holiday travel and traffic congestion: More people are on the roads during the holidays because they are traveling to see family and friends. There is an increase in traffic congestion because more people are out shopping and attending holiday events and parties. And naturally, when traffic increases, it leads to more accidents.Â
- Stress: The holidays are also an incredibly stressful time for many people. And when you are stressed, you are less likely to be as careful when driving, which means more accidents.Â
- Fatigue: With so much going on during the holiday season, it’s not uncommon for people to lose sleep this time of year. Unfortunately, that means more people are getting behind the wheel while exhausted and fatigued, which contributes to an increase in holiday car accidents.Â
- Aggressive driving: Not only are people more stressed during the holidays, but they also tend to be more aggressive as a result of that stress. And when you combine that aggression with an increase in traffic, it can make for a deadly combination. People speed more during the holidays, cut people off, use hard braking, and many other aggressive behaviors.Â
- Drunk driving: Of course, holiday parties and events mean more celebrating and drinking. And as mentioned earlier, a significant percentage of holiday traffic accidents are the result of impaired driving.Â
- Distracted driving: People are also a lot more distracted while driving during the holidays, and anything that pulls their attention from the road can lead to an accident. Some common holiday driving distractions include looking at Christmas lights while driving, being distracted by family in the car, grooming in the car while rushing to get to holiday parties, and using cell phones/GPS while driving.Â
- Bad weather: While California might not get bad weather during the holidays, California residents might drive through other states to visit family and friends that do get snow and ice on the roads. And more snow and ice this time of year combined with the increase in holiday traffic also contributes to more accidents.Â
- More nighttime driving: With people out celebrating late, nighttime driving is also more common during the holiday season. This means more people are on the roads when they are tired late at night and when it is harder to see, which leads to an increase in holiday car accidents.Â
We Handle Your Accident Claim So You Can Focus On Your Life
At Sally Morin, we truly care about the people of California and are dedicated to helping our clients navigate car accident claims all year long, including during the holidays.Â
If you or a loved one are injured in a holiday traffic accident this holiday season, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. Call us at 877-380-8852 or contact us online today for a free case evaluation.
Karen johnson
2 years ago
When I got into my accident I was really not looking for an attorney, however I became frustrated with the other parties insurance company. I then went online and found Sally Morin Law and called for a free courtesy consult. Annie quickly called me back and spent 30 minutes explaining the attorney process. This made my decision easy,,, an All female attorney group certainly did not disappoint. Annie and her team (Amber) were on the case immediately, making calls, sending emails and dealing with the other party insured (or lack of insured). I’m so pleased to have had this incredible team of ladies to help me through this process. They did all their professional expertise, none of which I was capable of. They advocated for me in every way from medical bills, insurance liens, med pay, demand letters, phone calls, emails etc. All I needed to do was send receipts, and most importantly focus on getting better. Thank u team for all u have done. I am grateful for so much,,, and I can say that making that first phone call was the best decision. Keep up the great work and helping others
Sincerely
KJJ
Michael Basti
2 years ago
I unfortunately got injured in an auto accident and called a bunch of different attorneys with little to no help. I called Sally Morin Law and got help from Rebecca who was absolutely fantastic. She was there every step of the way to help and Isn’t just trying to make a quick buck. She took her time with me and went out of her way to help out. Thanks for all the help Rebecca!!
Reba Roseberry
2 years ago
I was t-boned by someone who ran a red light, totaling my car and sending me to the hospital with multiple breaks to my pelvis, among other smaller injuries. Once released from the hospital, I was confused, angry, and extremely anxious about what to do next. A friend encouraged me to seek legal help, and I found the team at Sally Morin. I was drawn to their all-women team, and immediately felt assured that I was in good hands. They took the reigns on handling everything, leaving me significantly more relieved to rest and heal like my body needed. With their help, the case was settled within four months of the accident, and I can now move forward with my life and leave this behind me. I would absolutely recommend the team at Sally Morin to anyone in a similar situation!
John Zientek
2 years ago
I was injured while riding my bicycle and a friend recommended Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers. In my experience, they made the process transparent and smooth, allowing me to focus on recovery — they were professional, empathetic, and effective! Rebecca and Carmen made a difficult time much less stressful.
Jimmy Lu
2 years ago
My mom was in a car accident and was badly injured. We wanted her to focus on her recovery without the worries of medical bills and dealing with multiple insurance companies so we hired Sally Morin Lawyers. Fortunately we received Annie Heller who showed strong ownership of the case, dealing with all communications from medical to slow moving insurance companies. Annie and team helped us settle the case with money in my mom’s pocket, but more importantly helped all of us not worry about anything besides my mom’s recovery. thank you!
Shannon Yu
2 years ago
Carmen and team at Sally Morin are the best. Having Carmen and her team for my personal injury case is one of the lucky thing for me in 2024
Carmen is a very capable law professional. she is expert in her domain, also she is very skillful in finding the key information.
Carmen is also a compassionate and kind person, she listened and also put my interests in priority. At the same time she patiently explained to me the law information.
Carmen is also very good with execution, the whole process she is proactively driving it towards the satisfactory result
What more can you ask for a lawyer who is capable, professional, kind, effective and efficient.
Dee49ful
2 years ago
I was very fortunate that, by pure luck, I found Sally Morin’s firm online. It wasn’t recommended to me by anyone, but I now want to recommend them to EVERYONE, especially my fantastic attorney, Annie Heller. Annie was compassionate, honest, attentive, and responsive to my calls and emails. Throughout the entire process of my claim, I felt completely supported by her, and even after my case was successfully settled, she followed up with me. Thank you Annie, for your exceptional legal service!!
Lew Jabro (Havasu Lew)
3 years ago
Amazing! After months and months of going it alone and getting nowhere with our sons accident, and struggling...badly, we were lucky enough to get refered to Sally and Rebecca.
They took over the whole case and handled everything.
The whole team was very personable, professional, keeped us in the loop the entire time and cared about what was going on.
They also set us up with all the right people to make sure the settlement funds were properly handled in the most efficient way for us.
I just dont think we could have done all of this without them. It was a terrible time for our family, and we are very gratefull for everything they did for us! Thank you guys! ~HavasuLew
Kyle Osborn
3 years ago
Rebecca and the Sally Morin team provided invaluable support during a challenging period after our daughter was involved in a car accident. Their care, expertise, and dedication resulted in an outcome that exceeded our highest expectations. Working with them was a great experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone, without hesitation!
Alysia Lyons
3 years ago
I worked with Annie on my case and had such a pleasant experience! I felt supported and understood throughout the whole process. I highly recommend Sally Morin firm. Being injured isn't pleasant, so having a team behind you that's got your back makes the experience that much better.
Ariana D
3 years ago
I just spent the last 8 months working with a team of caring, compassionate, relatable women for my personal injury claim. Brief background: I was hit by a car while riding my bike to work. The driver pulled out of a parallel parking space without looking and was completely at fault. Initially, he and the others in the car were very concerned, but ghosted us afterwards and made up a story in order to not take on the blame. I ended up needing surgery and costs mounted, so I sought legal advice. After much research, I settled on Sally Morin Law. The team at this law firm is invested and responsive in a very personable way. I specifically worked with Carmen and Annie. Carmen took the lead and she answered every email, text, and annoying question my husband and I sent her way. She wrote a detailed demand letter that personalized my case and thoroughly explained the impact the accident had on my life, my children's lives, and my husband's life. In the end, our own insurance policy covered the claim to the fullest amount. Additionally, Carmen was able to negotiate the medical lien to $0, and my husband received a separate smaller amount for loss of consortium. We are more than happy with the results as it’s way beyond what we expected, and completely life changing. We didn't proceed with the case thinking we would have the outcome we did, and almost didn't pursue the case. However, after spending my own money on copays, days off from work, take out, uber rides, babysitters, and special equipment, it just didn't feel right not to seek help and I am so glad that I did! I highly recommend Sally Morin Law!
Simon Unge
3 years ago
Last year me and my partner was in a MC/Car accident. I was clueless on what rights we had and how to proceed with insurance claims etc. I contacted Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers, who guided us through the year long process in a very pedagogical manner, a lot of support, expertise and professionalism - answering any questions we had in a timely manner. Highly recommended, they made a painful experience very manageable. Thank you, Rebecca, Carmen, and Amber!
