Car accident injuries and fatalities increase dramatically over the holiday season. People throughout Kansas and Missouri are drinking and driving and attending parties. Last year, drunk driving was a factor in 36% of car accident deaths during Christmas and 35% of deaths during Thanksgiving. Most of these deaths occur at night after people are heading home from their family or workplace celebrations. Inclement winter weather also plays a role in the number of car accident injuries during the holidays.
Car Accident Injuries: Driving While Intoxicated
Researchers have found that alcohol plays a significant role in the increasing number of fatal car accidents over the holidays. The higher a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) levels, the higher the likelihood of that driver being involved in a car accident fatality. Researchers found that car accident fatalities associated with alcohol intoxication increased by 22% over Thanksgiving and 26% over the Christmas holiday, on average, compared with other days.
Speed, Drowsiness, and Distracted Driving
Speed, drowsiness, and distractions also contribute to holiday car crash fatalities. During the holidays, many people are feeling the crunch of needing to attend various social events. Workers may have work deadlines they need to accomplish before Christmas. Others are experiencing the financial crunch that can happen at the end of the year. All of these issues can contribute to dangerous distracted driving. Likewise, the holiday season’s business contributes to an increased amount of drowsiness among drivers who may otherwise be safe.
Driving During Winter Weather Conditions
In Missouri and Kansas, the weather outside is often frightful during the holiday season. Drivers may have their guard down from enjoying holiday get-togethers and may not use the reasonable care they should be during winter weather conditions. Wet pavement, snow flurries, and black ice can all contribute to fatal car accidents.
None of us can control the weather, but we can control how we react to dangerous weather conditions. Drivers have a legal duty to use reasonable care under the circumstances when driving. When the circumstances include dangerous weather conditions, drivers must adjust their driving habits accordingly. This could include slowing down or choosing not to drive in hazardous circumstances to avoid an accident. When drivers bridge this duty of care, the injured victims have a right to bring a personal injury lawsuit against them.
Missouri Was the Seventh Deadliest State for Holiday Motor Vehicle Fatalities
According to data gathered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System, Missouri Ranked seventh for Holiday motor vehicle fatality rates. For every 100,000 Missouri residents, 1.99 people died in Holliday-related accidents. Kansas ranked 14th with 1.61 residents per 100,000 residents dying in a fatal motor vehicle collision.
Car Accident Injuries: Contact Our Missouri Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you or your loved one has suffered an injury in a holiday car accident, you need the help of an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact Griggs Injury Law today to schedule your free initial consultation.
