Navigating the Holiday Roads: A Louisiana Christmas Crash Analysis
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and spending quality moments with loved ones. However, amidst the festive spirit, it’s crucial to recognize the potential dangers that come with increased traffic during this time. At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, we believe in providing valuable insights to keep our community safe. With the help of Louisiana State University’s Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS), we’ve delved into the holiday accident statistics during the Christmas season for 2021 and 2022.
Christmas 2022: A Closer Look
In 2022, CARTS reported a suspected 380 injury crashes per 100 hours during the Christmas season. Of these incidents, 370 resulted in injuries and nine proved fatal. Additionally, 1.2% of crashes involved alcohol consumption, serving as a stark reminder of the risks associated with impaired driving.
The data revealed a peak in injuries, fatalities, and alcohol-related crashes on December 25, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance during this specific day.
Orleans and East Baton Rouge: Hotspots for Christmas Crashes in Louisiana
Consistent with the trends observed in 2021, the parishes of Orleans and East Baton Rouge continued to be hotspots for crashes during the Christmas season in 2022. This reinforces the importance of increased awareness and caution for drivers in these areas.
Christmas Crashes: 2022 vs. 2021
When comparing the data from 2022 to the previous year, a slight decrease in the total number of crashes and fatal incidents is evident. In 2021, there were 404 crashes per 100 hours during Christmas, resulting in 391 injuries and 13 fatalities. The decrease in 2022 indicates a positive trend, suggesting a potential improvement in road safety during the festive period.
Moreover, in 2022, the Christmas holiday season ranked seventh out of eight observed holidays for the most fatal crashes, showcasing an improvement from 2021 when it ranked fifth. This highlights a decrease in the frequency of fatalities during the Christmas season when compared to other holidays. The number of injury related crashes however is the lowest during Christmas than any other observed holiday.
The Takeaway: Stay Safe on the Roads
While statistics provide valuable insights, it’s essential to remember that the holiday season, especially Christmas, welcomes a surge of holiday traffic on the road. Regardless of the positive trend observed in the data and the hope of a continued declined, the increased traffic during holiday seasons poses a heightened risk of accidents. Our message is simple: Stay vigilant, drive responsibly, and prioritize safety for yourself and others on the road.
At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, we are committed to promoting road safety and ensuring the well-being of our community. If you or a loved one ever find yourselves in need of legal assistance due to a holiday-related incident, know that our Louisiana personal injury lawyers are here to help. Drive safely, and may your holiday season be filled with joy and peace.
