As the holiday season approaches, a rise in accidental deaths serves as a sobering reminder, as alarming numbers show that Thanksgiving is the deadliest holiday.
According to a recent data analysis by The Orange County Register, hundreds of people will die in easily preventable accidents during holiday celebrations across the United States.
Law firms have highlighted these dangers by analyzing data from sources such as the National Security Council (NSC) and the Gun Violence Archive.
While their motive may be to attract customers, the statistics they reference paint a clear picture of increased risks, from road accidents to unintentional 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 the number of serious injuries and deaths.”
As the holiday season approaches, a rise in accidental deaths 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 reported.
Thanksgiving
The National Safety Council estimates that 507 people will lose their lives on U.S. roads during this year's Thanksgiving holiday.
With so many people traveling by car – the deadliest form of motorized transportation based on the number of deaths per passenger kilometer – combined with celebrations that often involve alcohol, the risk of fatal accidents increases significantly.
In addition to the deaths, thousands of others will be injured during the holiday period from mid-November to early December.
Data from the UC Berkeley 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 Orange County. from Riverside and nearly 400 in San Bernardino County. .
Firearms-related accidents also increase during this period. The Brady Gun Violence Project analyzed four years of data from the Gun Violence Archive, finding that Thanksgiving has an average of 47 unintentional shootings.
“Around major holidays, people are more likely to be at or near their homes,” the group explains.
“This, combined with easy access to firearms stored unlocked and loaded, proves to be a dangerous combination for unintentional shootings. To avoid unintentional firearm injuries during the holidays, firearms should be stored safely: unloaded, locked and separated from ammunition.'
Christmas is a slightly safer but still deadly time, with an estimated 345 road deaths and 42 accidental shootings between December 24th and 31st.
Christmas
Christmas records slightly fewer deaths compared to other holidays, being the sixth most deadly in road accidents. 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 unintentional shootings, with an average of 42 incidents occurring between December 24th and 31st.
New Year
Accidents spike during New Year celebrations, making it the fifth deadliest holiday for road deaths. The National Safety Council estimates that 375 people will lose their lives in car accidents around New Year's Day.
It's also a particularly dangerous time for unintentional shootings. According to the Brady Project, New Year's is the second most dangerous holiday for gun accidents, with an average of 50 unintentional shootings occurring between January 1 and January 7.
America's birthday marks its most dangerous holiday, with 599 expected road deaths and 57 unintentional shootings from July 2-8.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is also the fourth deadliest holiday for road accidents, with an estimated 418 deaths.
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 unintentional shootings, with an average of 42 incidents occurring during late May.
Independence Day
Independence Day tops the list as the most dangerous holiday, with celebrations featuring flag waving, fireworks and gunfire to mark America's birthday.
On the roads, the National Safety Council estimates that 599 people will die in accidents.
It is also the deadliest holiday for unintentional shootings. According to the Brady Project, an average of 57 accidental shootings occur between July 2nd and 8th.
New Year's Eve is the fifth deadliest holiday for road accidents, with an estimated 375 deaths. It is also the second most dangerous holiday for unintentional shootings, with an average of 50
Labor Day
Labor Day, which marks the unofficial end of summer, is the third deadliest holiday for road accidents, with 457 deaths expected, according to the National Safety Council.
It is also the fifth most dangerous in terms of unintentional shootings, with an average of 42 incidents occurring between Aug. 27 and Sept. 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 practice defensive driving, always wear seat belts, avoid driving under the influence and properly secure firearms at home.
As the Brady Project warns, “firearms must be stored securely: unloaded, locked, and separated from ammunition.”
While the numbers are grim, they serve as a reminder that holiday fun doesn't have to come at the expense of safety.
