Holiday Travel Statistics Are Shocking
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 4,020 people in the United States die from car accidents between Thanksgiving and New Years Day each year. Most of the fatal accidents are caused by driver fatigue, speeding and cell phone use. Studies show that a large amount of the accidents involve college students who are traveling home for the holidays.
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving an estimated 1,000 people die during the period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve in drinking-related crashes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that most deaths involving alcohol-related car accidents occur on December 23rd and January 1st. Fatal car accidents are devastating no matter what the surrounding circumstances are. But when a drunk driver gets behind the wheel of a car and causes a preventable injury or death to someone else, the situation is even more tragic.
We must use extra caution when traveling this holiday season. Students should only travel home after they have had a full nights sleep. People that consume alcohol at holiday parties must designate a driver before they arrive at an event or party, and if you are hosting a party, make sure to set rules on drinking and driving. Offer to provide a ride home or a place to sleep for guests who drink. Avoid driving during the early and late evening hours on holidays like Christmas and New Year’s, and always wear your seatbelt.
We owe it to each other to keep everyone as safe as possible this holiday season.
