The more cars there are on the road, the more likely it is for collisions to happen. In Florida, traffic is at its peak on Fridays because many drivers are eager to celebrate the end of the work week with their family and friends. Fatigue and stress from work also contribute to poorer driving habits, which potentially cause more crashes.
However, when it comes to car accidents, Friday is not the only day to be cautious. There are many special occasions where the number of crashes on the road, both lethal and nonlethal, increases significantly.
Special days to be wary of
The National Safety Council considers America’s major holidays to be very dangerous. Car accident cases increase as people celebrate, lowering their inhibitions and, in some cases, even causing drivers to drive under the influence. While Memorial Day and Independence Day are said to be the most dangerous holiday periods in America, drivers in Florida also need to worry about Spring Break. In Florida, the days with the most car accidents include:
- Spring Break: Late March to early April
- Memorial Day: May 22 to 25
- Independence Day: July 2 to 5
- Labor Day: September 4 to 7
- Thanksgiving: November 25 to 29
- Christmas: December 24 to 27
- New Year’s: December 31 to January 3
It is also important to be familiar with the factors that make holiday driving so dangerous in the first place. Typically, the number of car accidents in Florida increases due to a combination of the following factors:
- Heavy traffic: Locals and tourists alike travel during the holidays, increasing the number of cars on the road.
- Stress and fatigue: Many people travel in and out of the state during the holidays to spend time with family and friends, and long-distance driving is physically and mentally taxing.
- Drunk driving: People celebrate the holidays by drinking alcohol, though many have to drive home despite being under the influence.
Being cautious in general is one of the best practices, but it is just as essential to keep track of the major holidays. This way, you can mentally prepare yourself for the increased traffic and stress.
Avoiding car accidents
Car accidents are more common during the holidays, but this does not mean they are impossible to prevent. By refraining from alcohol, traveling days before or after a major holiday and managing your stress and fatigue before a long drive, you can reduce the likelihood of getting into an accident significantly.