The holidays for many mean traveling to see family members or friends. The holiday months also mean adverse weather conditions with higher chances of snow, sleet, and fog. Daylight hours during the winter months are also shorter leading to less visibility. All of this together leads to an increased risk for automobile accidents. 

A report completed this year shows that South Carolina has the second-highest rate of fatal car accidents during the holidays in the United States. This research was based on data collected from 2015-2019 of the three days surrounding Christmas and New Year’s Day and found that a total of 74 fatal accidents occurred in South Carolina. The research also found that over 44% of the accidents involved a driver who was under the influence of alcohol. This was the fourth-highest percentage of alcohol-related fatal car accidents in the United States during the period. 

Car versus car accidents aren’t the only type of car-related accident during the holiday season. According to research, October, November, and December see a total of 40% of the year’s pedestrian accidents as more pedestrians take to the sidewalk in search of holiday gifts and gatherings. Thanksgiving weekend alone accounts for 35 vehicle wrongful deaths and more than 2,300 vehicle-related injuries. Of the 35 deaths, 15 were alcohol-related. 425 injuries of the 2,300 were alcohol-related. 

If you have been injured by a drunk driver, please contact our office today for a free initial consultation. We are attorneys located in Anderson, SC who are devoted to providing clients with the utmost level of competence, concern, and commitment.

ML Lawyers, P.A.

Helping Clients Throughout the Upstate of South Carolina 

Personal Injury – Workers Compensation – Criminal Defense

Statistics via: https://www.wyff4.com/article/south-carolina-ranks-2nd-in-us-for-fatal-accidents-during-holidays/38343711

https://www.helpadvisor.com/at-home-health/deadliest-states-holiday-driving-study