Which holiday has the most car accidents in Florida?

It’s probably not a surprise that July 4th sees the highest number of alcohol-related traffic accidents in Florida. America’s birthday has conditions that make it a perfect storm for impaired driving, especially when the holiday falls over a long weekend. Independence Day isn’t the only holiday that’s dangerous for Florida drivers and pedestrians, and there are more risks than drivers under the influence. Understanding when roads are more dangerous and what the associated risks are helps keep you and your family safer.

If the worst happens, though, and you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident, the advice and advocacy of a West Palm Beach auto accident attorney can ensure you receive fair compensation.

Florida holiday traffic accident statistics

You’ll see more police presence on holidays and special occasions where people are more likely to overindulge, like July 4th, Memorial Day and Labor Day, and St. Patrick’s Day. There’s also more police presence during seasons with higher traffic volume, like Christmas and Thanksgiving, spring break, and Bike Week. Despite the additional sobriety checkpoints and police deterrents, there’s still a considerable spike in injurious and fatal crashes on holidays.

These eye-opening statistics drive home just how important it is to make safe choices when driving on a holiday:

• Drunk driving is a factor in 38% of fatal holiday car crashes
• In a recent 4-year period, there were over 2,600 car accident fatalities—40% of those individuals were intoxicated at the time of the crash
• Florida is third in the nation for the highest number of fatal crashes over Memorial Day weekend
• Holidays are 14% more dangerous for driving than non-holidays
• Memorial Day and the Fourth of July had the highest alcohol-related fatality rates

While these statistics are troubling (and make many people want to stay at home during the holidays!), It’s essential to consider them in context. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that there is a higher incidence of intoxicated driving over the entirety of long holiday weekends, not just the holiday itself.

If the holiday, like Independence Day or St. Patrick’s Day, falls on a Thursday, Friday, or Monday, there’s a longer celebratory period, which usually means more instances of intoxicated and distracted driving.

Thanksgiving Day gets an honorable mention as one of the most dangerous days of the year to drive. Many more people travel on this day than on other days, so with the increased number of cars on the road at all times also comes a higher risk of being involved in a crash. And, Thanksgiving carries other risks, including drowsy drivers, intoxicated drivers (even buzzed driving is considered intoxicated), and more people on unfamiliar routes.

Staying safe on Florida roads during the holidays

The increased traffic on Florida roads around most major holidays is a contributing factor to the rise in accidents. There are certain times of the year that native Floridians know will see a larger influx of tourists who are unfamiliar with the roads and traffic patterns, such as spring break weeks, Bike Week, and the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. Mentally preparing yourself can help you be more attentive to potential dangers, such as a distracted driver drifting into your lane or suddenly changing lanes to make a turn.

It’s illegal in Florida to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Even certain prescription drugs should be avoided if you’re planning to drive. If you do want to enjoy adult beverages or legal, hemp-derived THC products on the holidays, be safe. Appoint a designated driver, or if you’re planning on going somewhere, use rideshare services instead of driving yourself.

Distracted driving is another major contributor to traffic accidents. It’s illegal in Florida to use a cell phone while driving, but texting and driving isn’t the only form of distraction. Eating, putting on makeup, or even programming with your GPS can all take your eyes off the road, your mind away from the flow of traffic, and your hands off the wheel. Instead, queue up your playlist, program your GPS, and set your phone to hands-free mode before you start driving.

Reckless driving, including speeding and failure to follow traffic laws, is another contributor to collisions. Reckless drivers are usually pretty obvious on the roads, so if you see someone weaving on and out of traffic, speeding, or tailgating, drop back and steer clear of them so you’re not close enough to be hit by them.

Protect yourself on Florida roads this holiday season

If the worst happens and you’re involved in a car accident, it’s important to have an experienced Florida car accident attorney represent you, protect your interests, and ensure that you’re in a good position to get full and fair compensation for your losses.

Have you been hurt in a holiday season car crash? Call Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath at (561) 655-1990 for a free consultation.