Every year, motor vehicle accidents increase around the holidays due to several reasons—increased pedestrian traffic, inclement weather, fatigued driving, and more. Read on to learn more about holiday accidents and how to avoid them this winter.
Kentucky Motor Vehicle Accident Statistics
The Kentucky Traffic Safety Data Services (KTSDS) reported the following number of motor vehicle accidents by month for 2020:
- 10,000+ in January.
- 9,000-10,000 in February, October, and November.
- 8,000-9,000 in June, July, August, September, and December.
- Less than 8,000 in March, April, and May.
In Kentucky, there are, on average, 8,399 motor vehicle accidents every month. The monthly motor vehicle accident average in December and January rises by almost 1,000 to 9,303. 9,303 accidents per month are equivalent to one accident every five minutes. Here’s what you should know:
Common Causes of Holiday Accidents
Holiday accidents are usually caused by either dangerous driver behaviors and/or environmental factors.
Dangerous Driver Behaviors
While the holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and celebration, individuals are more prone to higher stress levels and overindulgence that negatively impact their bodies and decision-making. As a result, the following dangerous driver behaviors tend to be more prevalent:
- Fatigued Driving
- Impaired Driving
- Distracted Driving
Dangerous Environmental Factors
Let’s face it, driving during the holidays is stressful enough as is, but the prevalence of the following dangerous environmental factors can make it downright tricky:
- Drivers in unfamiliar areas.
- New traffic patterns.
- Increased pedestrian traffic.
- Inclement weather conditions.
4 Tips to Prevent Accidents
This holiday season, give yourself and your loved ones the gift of safe driving by keeping the following tips in mind:
- Plan ahead. To prevent impaired driving, make sure you designate a sober driver in your group for the evening or use rideshare apps. Do not get behind the wheel unless you are sober, and do not get into a vehicle with an impaired driver.
- Do not travel when you would typically be sleeping. To prevent fatigued driving, make sure you plan to drive only during hours you would normally be awake. Avoid driving late at night or early in the morning.
- Keep distractions to a minimum. To prevent distracted driving, make sure someone is in charge of the directions, or ensure that you have a safe place to pull over if you need to reroute. While it may be tempting to look at lights and festive decorations from the comfort of your warm car, it is better to park and walk around if your attention will be somewhere other than the road.
- Be patient. To ensure that you have ample time to react to unpredictable pedestrians, road hazards, and confused drivers, give cars and others in front of you extra space and avoid speeding through high-traffic areas this holiday season. At best, being patient with others on the road will only cost a few minutes – your safety is certainly worth it.
Paducah Car Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, your first priority should be getting the medical help you need before worrying about the road to recovery. An experienced car accident attorney can help you navigate legal processes while fighting to protect your rights and helping to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation you rightfully deserve.
At Katz Law, our lawyers will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and your future.
Contact us today for a free case consultation at or by filling out our secure and confidential contact form.