As the holidays approach, a spike in accidental deaths serves as a sobering reminder as alarming numbers show Thanksgiving is the most fatal holiday.
According to a recent data analysis from The Orange County Registerhundreds of people will die in easily preventable accidents during holiday celebrations in the United States.
Law firms have highlighted these dangers through their analysis of data from sources such as the National Safety Council (NSC) and the Gun Violence Archive.
While their motive may be to attract customers, the statistics they reference paint a clear picture of the increased risks, from traffic accidents to accidental shootings, during major holidays.
“Most Americans look forward to a long holiday weekend to spend time with loved ones,” the NSC notes in its analysis. “Unfortunately, these periods are also associated with an increase in serious injuries and deaths.”
As the holidays approach, a spike in fatalities serves as a sobering reminder to take extra precautions
Around Thanksgiving, the NSC estimates 507 deaths from car crashes, with an average of 47 unintentional shootings
Thanksgiving
The National Safety Council estimates that 507 people will lose their lives on America’s roads during this year’s Thanksgiving holiday.
With so many people traveling by car – the deadliest form of motorized transport based on fatalities per passenger kilometer – combined with festivities that often involve alcohol, the risk of fatalities increases significantly.
In addition to the fatalities, thousands more will be injured during the holiday period from mid-November to early December.
Data from UC Berkeley’s Transportation Injury Mapping System, analyzed by a law firm, shows that in California alone, more than 1,800 people were injured in Los Angeles County, nearly 500 in Orange County, 465 in Riverside County and nearly 400 in San Bernardino County . .
Firearm-related accidents also increase during this period. The Brady Gun Violence Project analyzed four years of data from the Gun Violence Archive and found that there is an average of 47 unintentional shootings on Thanksgiving.
“People are more likely to be in or around the house around important holidays,” the group explains.
“That, combined with easy access to firearms stored unlocked and loaded, proves to be a dangerous combination for accidental shootings. To prevent accidental firearm injuries around the holidays, firearms should be stored safely: unloaded, locked and separated from ammunition.”
Christmas is a slightly safer time, but still deadly, with an estimated 345 traffic deaths and 42 accidental shootings between December 24 and 31
Christmas
Christmas has slightly fewer fatalities compared to other holidays, and is the sixth deadliest road accident. The National Safety Council estimates that 345 people will die in car accidents during the holiday season.
It’s also still a risky time for gun-related accidents. According to the Brady Project, Christmas is the fourth most dangerous holiday for accidental shootings, with an average of 42 incidents between December 24 and 31.
New Year
Accidents increase during New Year’s celebrations, making it the fifth deadliest holiday for traffic fatalities. The National Safety Council estimates that 375 people will die in car accidents around New Year’s Day.
It is also a particularly dangerous time for accidental shootings. According to the Brady Project, New Year’s is the second most dangerous holiday in terms of gun accidents, with an average of 50 unintentional shootings between January 1 and 7.
America’s birthday marks its most dangerous holiday, with 599 expected traffic fatalities and 57 accidental shootings from July 2 to 8
Remembrance Day
Memorial Day also ranks as the fourth deadliest holiday for traffic accidents, with an estimated 418 fatalities.
It’s also a risky time for gun-related accidents. According to the Brady Project, Memorial Day ranks as the sixth most dangerous holiday for accidental shootings, with an average of 42 incidents by the end of May.
Independence Day
Independence Day tops the list as the most dangerous holiday, with celebrations of flag waving, fireworks and gunshots in the air to mark America’s birthday.
On the roads, the National Safety Council estimates that 599 people are expected to die in accidents.
It is also the deadliest holiday for accidental shootings. According to the Brady Project, an average of 57 accidental shootings occur between July 2 and July 8.
New Year’s Eve is the fifth deadliest holiday in terms of traffic accidents, with an estimated 375 deaths. It also ranks as the second most dangerous holiday for accidental shootings, with an average of 50
Labor Day
Labor Day, which marks the unofficial end of summer, is the third deadliest holiday for traffic accidents, with 457 expected fatalities, according to the National Safety Council.
It is also the fifth most dangerous place for accidental shootings, with an average of 42 incidents between August 27 and September 2, according to the Brady Project.
The NSC and other safety organizations emphasize that many of these accidents are preventable. They urge the public to drive defensively, always wear seat belts, avoid drunk driving and properly secure firearms at home.
As the Brady Project warns, “firearms must be stored securely: unloaded, locked, and separated from ammunition.”
Although the figures are bleak, they are a reminder that holiday fun does not have to come at the expense of safety.