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As the holiday season approaches, a rise in accidental deaths serves as a sobering reminder as alarming numbers show Thanksgiving is the deadliest holiday.
According to a recent data analysis by The Orange County RegisterHundreds of people will die in easily preventable accidents during Christmas celebrations across the United States.
Law firms have highlighted these dangers through analysis of 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 traffic accidents to unintentional shootings, during major holidays.
“Most Americans look forward to a long weekend to spend time with loved ones,” the NSC notes in its analysis. “Unfortunately, these periods are also associated with an increase in 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 car accident deaths, with an average of 47 unintentional shootings reported.
Thanksgiving
The National Safety Council estimates that 507 people will lose their lives on American roads during this year’s Thanksgiving holiday.
With so many people traveling by car (the deadliest form of motor transportation based on deaths per passenger mile) combined with celebrations that often involve alcohol, the risk of fatal accidents increases significantly.
In addition to the deaths, thousands more will be injured during the holiday period, from mid-November to early December.
Data from UC Berkeley’s 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 Riverside County and nearly 400 in San Bernardino County. .
Firearm-related accidents also increase during this time. The Brady Gun Violence Project analyzed four years of data from the Gun Violence Archive and found that Thanksgiving Day has an average of 47 unintentional shootings.
“Around major holidays, people are more likely to be at home or around them,” the group explains.
‘That, combined with easy access to firearms being stored unlocked and loaded, proves to be a dangerous combination for unintentional shootings. To avoid accidental gun injuries while on vacation, firearms should be stored securely: unloaded, locked, and separate from ammunition.
Christmas is a slightly safer time, but it is still deadly: from December 24 to 31, there were an estimated 345 road deaths and 42 accidental shootings.
Christmas
At Christmas, slightly fewer deaths are recorded compared to other holidays, ranking as the sixth country with the most traffic accidents. The National Safety Council estimates that 345 people will die in car accidents over the Christmas period.
It also remains a risky time for firearms-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 24 and 31.
New Year
Accidents increase during New Year’s celebrations, making it the fifth holiday with the most traffic deaths. The National Safety Council estimates that 375 people will lose their lives in car accidents around New Year’s Day.
It is 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 the most dangerous holiday, with 599 expected road deaths and 57 unintentional shootings from July 2 to 8.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day also ranks as the fourth holiday with the most traffic deaths, with an estimated 418 deaths.
It is also a risky time for firearms-related accidents. According to the Brady Project, Memorial Day is the sixth most dangerous holiday for unintentional shootings, with an average of 42 incidents occurring by the end of May.
Independence Day
Independence Day tops the list as the most dangerous holiday, with celebrations including flag-waving, fireworks and shots fired into the air to mark America’s birthday.
On the roads, the National Safety Council estimates that 599 people are expected to 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 2 and July 8.
New Year’s Eve is the fifth holiday with the most traffic deaths, with 375 estimated deaths. It also ranks as the second most dangerous holiday for unintentional shootings, with an average of 50
business day
Labor Day, which marks the unofficial end of summer, ranks as the third-deadliest holiday from traffic accidents, with 457 deaths expected, according to the National Safety Council.
It is also the fifth most dangerous place for unintentional shootings, with an average of 42 incidents occurring between August 27 and September 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 a seat belt, avoid driving under the influence, and properly secure firearms in the home.
As the Brady Project warns, “firearms should be stored securely: unloaded, locked, and separate from ammunition.”
While the numbers are discouraging, they serve as a reminder that holiday fun doesn’t have to come at the expense of safety.
