Thanksgiving is one of the most highly anticipated holidays of the year. It is a day devoted to eating delightful food, being grateful, and being home with friends and family. Unfortunately for many people each year, what starts as a fun holiday turns out horrible and tragic. Thousands of individuals are hurt, and hundreds lose their lives in collisions.
In 2020, The National Safety Council (NSC) estimated that 485 people were at risk of wrongful death in the United States during the Thanksgiving holiday period. Many Thanksgiving accidents happen every year due to the high volume of travel. Many students and families choose to travel by car, and according to The National Safety Council (NSC)is the highest fatality rate of any major form of transportation. Drunk drivers are involved in 35% of motor vehicle fatalities.
Despite the many car accidents that happen on the road during the holidays. There are also many other types of accidents that people can be involved in during Thanksgiving. Here is a list of the most common injuries during the Thanksgiving season.
Most Common Thanksgiving Accidents
- Car Accidents
- House Fires
- Slip and Fall
- Premises Liability
- Food Poisoning
- Cooking Injury (Burns, Knife wounds…)
Even if the gatherings are smaller than the previous years due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the same dangers are present and undeniable. Here are some statistics you should know.
Thanksgiving Accident Statistics
According to The Missouri State Highway Patrol during the 2019 Thanksgiving holiday period, Missouri state troopers investigated 404 traffic crashes. Out of these crashes, there were 7 fatalities and 166 injuries
In 2020 The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported the following statistics:
- Crashes – 321
- Injuries – 72
- Fatalities – 9
- DWI – 100
- Drug Arrest – 78
So have fun and enjoy the good food and company but follow the safety tips that can help ensure a happy and safe, festive celebration.
Most Common Thanksgiving Accidents: Thanksgiving Safety Tips
- Obey the speed limit
- Do not drink and drive
- Get your vehicle inspected before a long travel
- Check weather condition
- Stay focused on the road
- Wash Hands
- Keep an eye on what you fry
- Avoid any hazards and move items that can catch on fire
Thanksgiving is the time of the year to enjoy yourself, give thanks, embrace happiness. The time of the year to surround yourself with family and loved ones, not accidents and nurses. During this 2021 holiday season stay safe and practice many of the safety tips above.
Contact us online or call 816-312-5253, if you or a loved one was involved in an accident on Thanksgiving. Devkota Law Firm has represented many injured clients and we are here to help!
