Macabre new study reveals the holiday where you’re most likely to die in an accident or shooting
As the holiday season approaches, a spike in accidental deaths serves as a sobering reminder as alarming figures show that Thanksgiving is the most fatal festivity.
According to a recent data analysis by The Orange County Register, hundreds of people will die in easily preventable accidents during holiday celebrations across the United States.
Law firms have highlighted these dangers through their analysis of data from sources like the National Safety Council (NSC) and the Gun Violence Archive.
While their motive may be to attract clients, the statistics they reference paint a clear picture of increased risks, from road accidents to unintentional shootings, during major holidays.
‘Most Americans look forward to a long holiday weekend to spend time with loved ones,’ the NSC notes in its analysis. ‘Unfortunately, these periods are also associated with an uptick in serious injury and death.’
As the holiday season approaches, a spike in accidental deaths serves as a sobering reminder to take extra precautions
Around Thanksgiving, the NSC estimates 507 deaths from car crashes, with an average of 47 unintentional reported shootings
Thanksgiving
The National Safety Council estimates that 507 people will lose their lives on U.S. roads during this year’s Thanksgiving holiday.
With so many people traveling by car — the deadliest form of motorized transport based on fatalities per passenger mile — combined with celebrations often involving alcohol, the risk of fatal crashes increases significantly.
In addition to the fatalities, 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 one 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 almost 400 in San Bernardino County.
Firearm-related accidents also spike during this time. The Brady Gun Violence Project analyzed four years of data from the Gun Violence Archive, finding that Thanksgiving averages 47 unintentional shootings.
‘Around major holidays, people are more likely to be in or around the home,’ the group explains.
‘That, combined with easy access to firearms that are stored unlocked and loaded, proves to be a dangerous combination for unintentional shootings. To prevent unintentional firearm injury around the holidays, firearms must be stored securely: unloaded, locked, and separated from ammunition.’
Christmas is a slightly safer time but still deadly, with an estimated 345 road deaths and 42 accidental shootings from December 24 to 31
Christmas
Christmas sees slightly fewer fatalities compared to other holidays, ranking as the sixth-deadliest for road accidents. The National Safety Council estimates that 345 people will die in car crashes during the holiday period.
It’s also still a risky time for gun-related accidents. According to the Brady Project, Christmas ranks as the fourth-most-dangerous holiday for unintentional shootings, with an average of 42 incidents occurring between December 24 and 31.
New Year’s
Accidents surge during New Year’s celebrations, making it the fifth-deadliest holiday for road fatalities. The National Safety Council estimates that 375 people will lose their lives in car crashes around New Year’s Day.
It’s also a particularly dangerous time for unintentional shootings. According to the Brady Project, New Year’s ranks as the second most hazardous holiday for gun accidents, with an average of 50 unintentional shootings occurring between January 1 and 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-deadliest holiday for road accidents, with an estimated 418 fatalities.
It’s also a risky time for gun-related accidents. According to the Brady Project, Memorial Day ranks as the sixth-most-dangerous holiday for unintentional shootings, with an average of 42 incidents occurring during the late May period.
Independence Day
Independence Day tops the list as the most dangerous holiday, with celebrations featuring flag-waving, fireworks, and gunfire in the air to mark America’s birthday.
On the roads, the National Safety Council estimates that 599 people are expected to die in crashes.
It’s also the deadliest holiday for unintentional shootings. According to the Brady Project, an average of 57 accidental shootings occur between July 2 and 8.
New Year’s Eve is the fifth-deadliest holiday for road accidents, with 375 estimated deaths. It also ranks as the second-most dangerous holiday for unintentional shootings, with an average of 50
Labor Day
Labor Day, marking the unofficial end of summer, ranks as the third-deadliest holiday for road accidents, with 457 fatalities expected, according to the National Safety Council.
It’s also the fifth most dangerous 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 seat belts, avoid driving under the influence, and secure firearms properly in the home.
As the Brady Project warns, ‘firearms must be stored securely: unloaded, locked, and separated from ammunition.’
While the numbers are grim, they serve as a reminder that holiday fun doesn’t have to come at the cost of safety.
