Experts warn: Super Bowl Sunday brings February’s highest crash risk 

Experts warn: Super Bowl Sunday brings February’s highest crash risk 

• Thanksgiving Day is the deadliest holiday of the year for traffic fatalities, with an average of 477 deaths over the holiday period

• New data reveals the most dangerous holidays in America for traffic fatalities
• New Year’s Day has the highest percentage of alcohol-related fatalities
• Super Bowl Sunday was named the deadliest day in February, with an average of 104 deaths

A recent analysis conducted by personal injury lawyers at Triumph Law, P.C. revealed the holidays in America with the highest traffic fatality rates. The data compared the fatalities reported on each holiday to the total recorded in the same month, to identify which events see the biggest increase.

Many Americans look forward to long holiday weekends, enjoying time with family and friends, and participating in cherished traditions. However, these holiday periods also see a rise in car crashes, leading to serious injuries and fatalities.

Many Americans drive during the holidays, with cars seeing the highest fatality rate per mile of any transportation type. With holiday celebrations often involving alcohol, impaired driving-related crashes also rise.

Over the past 20 years, the average death toll in February is 3,023 deaths. On specific days such as Super Bowl Sunday (the first Sunday in February), Valentine’s Day (February 14th), and Presidents’ Day (the third Monday in February), the numbers are notably different.

Super Bowl Sunday, with an average of 104.25 traffic deaths, accounts for approximately 3.45% of February’s total average deaths, likely influenced by factors such as increased alcohol consumption and road traffic.

Valentine’s Day, with 90.75 traffic deaths on average, makes up 3.00% of the monthly total, which could be attributed to more people traveling.

Presidents’ Day, averaging 79.25 traffic deaths, represents 2.62% of February’s overall death count, potentially reflecting less risky behaviors compared to the other two holidays, as it is primarily a long weekend with less emphasis on widespread celebrations.

In addition to the February holidays, major U.S. celebrations throughout the year also see variations in mortality rates.

Overall, Thanksgiving Day is the deadliest holiday for traffic fatalities, with an average of 476.6 deaths over the holiday period, making up 13.19% of the 3,612.8 total fatalities recorded in November.

Labor Day follows closely with 471.4 fatalities, making up 12% of the 3,934 deaths in September, while Memorial Day sees 445 fatalities, representing 12.21% of the 3,645.2 total deaths in May.

Independence Day, the fourth most dangerous holiday, sees 426.4 deaths over its holiday period, accounting for 11.39% of the 3,744.4 fatalities in July, while New Year’s Day ranks fifth with 324.6 fatalities, representing 11.23% of the 2,891 total fatalities recorded in January.

Christmas Day, while the least dangerous in terms of traffic fatalities, still contributes a significant 311.8 deaths. This accounts for 8.94% of the total 3,486 fatalities recorded in December.

Looking at the five-year average of daily traffic deaths during holiday periods, Independence Day leads with an average of 146.5 fatalities per day.

Despite having a shorter holiday period, at an average of 2.9 days, the daily fatality rate on Independence Day is the highest.

Labor Day follows closely behind, with an average of 145 fatalities per day across its 3.25-day holiday period. The daily death rate is nearly as high as that of Independence Day, despite the longer duration.

Memorial Day has a similar duration to Labor Day, spanning 3.25 days, but with an average of 136.9 fatalities per day. This still represents a high daily death rate during the holiday period.

Thanksgiving Day, with the longest holiday period of 4.25 days, sees a lower average of 112.1 fatalities per day. While the total number of deaths is high, the daily fatality rate is lower compared to the other holidays with shorter durations.

New Year’s Day and Christmas Day both have a duration of 2.91 days, with New Year’s Day seeing an average of 111.5 fatalities per day and Christmas Day seeing 107.1.

While these holidays have a shorter duration, the daily fatality rates are still significant, especially when compared to other periods like Thanksgiving.

When examining the five-year average of alcohol-related traffic fatalities during holiday periods, New Year’s Day stands out with 40.8% of traffic fatalities attributed to alcohol.

This is 10.8% higher than the annual average, making it the most dangerous holiday in terms of impaired driving.

Independence Day follows with 40.4% of traffic fatalities involving alcohol, exceeding the annual average by 10.4%.

Memorial Day shows 40% of traffic fatalities linked to alcohol, 10% higher than the annual average, while Labor Day sees 38.8% of fatalities related to alcohol, 8.8% higher than the annual average.

Christmas Day records 37% of traffic fatalities tied to alcohol, 7% above the annual average, highlighting the ongoing concern about impaired driving during all three holidays.

Although Thanksgiving Day has the lowest percentage of alcohol-related traffic fatalities at 33.6%, it still exceeds the annual average by 3.6%.

Five-year average of alcohol-related traffic fatalities during holiday periods:

Commenting on the results, Robert Carichoff, personal injury lawyer for Triumph Law, P.C., said,

 “The holiday season brings joy and celebration, but it also comes with heightened risks on the road due to increased traffic and impaired drivers. It is essential to stay vigilant, drive cautiously, and remain mindful of others to prevent accidents during this busy time.

“If you have had too much to drink, always prioritize safety by calling a taxi, or a trusted family member to get home. Remember, a single bad decision can have devastating consequences—not just for you, but for countless others sharing the road.”

Story credit: https://www.triumphlaw.com  

Sources: 

https://injuryfacts.nsc.org

Figures looked at the five-year average fatality rates reported across each holiday period, compared to the total deaths recorded throughout the month. Holiday durations are defined as follows:

• Thanksgiving: 4.25 days

• Labor Day: 3.25 days

• Memorial Day: 3.25 days

• Independence Day: 2.91 days

• New Year’s Day: 2.91 days

• Christmas Day: 2.91 days

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Author: David Keech

David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]