With the increased number of people on the road, an increase in traffic accidents is only to be expected. However, there are certain holidays throughout the year that tend to be the deadliest times of the years for drivers. This article will discuss what these holidays are and what makes them so deadly. New Year's New Year's Eve and New Year's Day can be some of the most dangerous times to be on the road. What causes the spike in traffic accidents and accident-related deaths? Road conditions may be an influencing factor. After all, it is right in the middle of winter, and snow and ice are quite common on the road at this time. People rushing to get to celebrations may not use the caution required to deal with these road conditions, causing an increase in the number of accidents. But perhaps the biggest culprit for deadly accidents on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day is drinking and driving. Between 2007 and 2011, approximately 42% of deaths on the road during this time were caused by drunk driving. This is higher than any other holiday in America, and for this reason, highway patrol is on high alert for drunk driving during this time. If you're going to go out and celebrate on New Year's Eve, make sure that you have a travel plan--a schedule taxi cab, a designated driver, etc. This will help to keep you and others who are on the road safe. If you do end up getting behind the wheel when you shouldn't, and you're pulled over, make sure you find a good DWI attorney in Houston to handle your case. Independence Day The Fourth of July is a distinctly American holiday, and patriots often celebrate it with fireworks, friends, barbecues, and a few cold beers. After New Year's, Independence Day sees the second highest number of drinking and driving accidents. Revelers head home after their celebrations having had a few too many beers, and things go bad quickly. As already stated, make sure you have a plan if you're going to celebrate on the Fourth of July. Another potential cause for so many deadly traffic accidents on July 4 may be distraction. Some drivers may take their eyes off the road with so many fireworks displays happening around them, and a moment of distraction can result in a deadly accident. So remember to keep your eyes on the road when traveling on Independence Day. Labor Day and Memorial Day These 2 holidays always fall on a Monday, which means a 3-day weekend for many Americans. Many people wish to take full advantage of the brief break, and they hit the road for camping trips, weekend visits to friends and family, or fun trips to the beach, Las Vegas, or other exciting destinations. These weekends see an incredible amount of traffic, as most people are traveling on the same days at the same times. This greatly increases the odds of an accident occurring. Another factor that makes these holidays so deadly is drowsy driving. In an effort to get the most from their weekend, many people will drive late into the night. Nodding off at the wheel often results in fatal accidents. And, as always, drunk driving plays a factor in the increased traffic fatalities over these holidays. As you get ready to celebrate the holidays, remember to drink responsibly and never get behind the wheel when you've had too much to drink. If you do, and you get pulled over, make sure you find a good DWI attorney in Houston to handle your case.
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