According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the 2011 Christmas Day Holiday period is defined as starting on December 23rd at 6:00 p.m. and going until December 26th at 11:59 p.m. Every year, the NSC estimates how many people they believe will be killed in car accidents in Chicago and elsewhere during the busy holiday weekend.
This year, the Council is predicting that there will be nearly 370 fatalities. The NSC further predicts that there will be nearly 29,000 people who will be medically treated for injuries from car crashes over the holiday period.Our Chicago car accident attorneys understand that the holidays are a time for residents and visitors to spend away from work and school and to gather with friends and family members. Unfortunately, this is also a time when we see an increase in the number of fatal accidents on our roadways. An increase in motorists equates to an increase in your risks for a traffic crash, which ultimately leads to an increase in roadway deaths and injuries. Drivers are urged to be cautious, alert and to drive defensively on our roadways to avoid a potentially fatal accident during this year’s holidays.
The NSC’s Christmas Day Holiday Period Fatality Estimates/Actual Numbers:
-2005: 443/383
-2006: 415/379
-2007: 497/454
-2008: 432/409
-2009: 317/248
According to recent traffic safety studies, seat belts have been proven to be nearly 50 percent effective in preventing fatalities during an accident. According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System’s (FARS), more than 100 people may be saved from being killed in a car accident over the Christmas Day holiday period because they were wearing a seat belt. Another 75 people could be saved if everyone were to wear a seat belt.
According to the NSC, the 2011 New Year’s Day Holiday is defined as starting on December 30th at 6:00 p.m. and going on until January 2nd at 11:59 p.m. Every year, the NSC estimates how many people will be killed in car crashes during the busy holiday weekend. This year, the Council is predicting that there will be nearly 300 roadway fatalities. The NSC further predicts that there will be nearly 30,000 people will be medically treated for injuries from car crashes during this time as well.
The NSC’s New Year’s Day Holiday Period Fatality Estimates/Actual Numbers:
-2005: 392/449
-2006: 399/432
-2007: 405/387
-2008: 498/407
-2009: 445/458
The average number of traffic deaths during the six previous New Year’s Day holiday periods was nearly 20 percent greater than similar non-holiday periods. Drivers are urged to be cautious behind the wheel as the traffic heats up during the holiday season. Remember to drive cautiously, to avoid drinking and driving and to obey all road laws to reduce your risks of an accident. Happy Holidays and have a Happy New Year. Please drive safely!
If you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic accident, the personal injury attorneys and wrongful death lawyers at Abels & Annes offer free and confidential appointments to discuss your rights. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.
More Blog Entries:
NHTSA Releases New 2010 Data for Car Accidents in Illinois and Elsewhere, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, December 9, 2011
Illinois Receives Five-Star Rating for Reducing Drunk Driving Car Accidents in Chicago and Elsewhere, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, December 2, 2011