MARCH 27, 2023

Big Rig Accidents and the Easter Holiday

Are there more tractor-trailer accidents or car accidents occurring at Easter?

Easter is the celebration of the rebirth of Jesus Christ. The date changes yearly. While many people may go to church or mass to celebrate Easter there are other people who travel to visit relatives and friends. Statistics on the specific number of accidents occurring at Easter are limited. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has data that indicates that large truck accidents were responsible for 5.7% of all accidents in 2019 but accounted for 10.1% of all fatal accidents. This leads to the conclusion that all accidents including on Easter were up significantly for large truck accidents.

Was 2021 one of the deadliest years for traffic accidents over the past five years?

The answer is yes. Dr. Steven Cliff, Deputy Administrator for the NHTSA, was quoted as saying, "This crisis on our roads is urgent and preventable." The NHTSA released an early estimate of traffic fatalities in 2021 estimating 42,915 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2021 which is a 10.% percent increase from 2021. The study was called, "Newly Released Estimates Show Traffic Fatalities Reached a 16-Year High in 2021".

Big Rig Accidents and the Easter Holiday, 2023 Image

There were huge increases in traffic fatalities in 2021 involving large truck accidents.

Fatalities in crashes involving at least one large truck were up 13%.
Fatalities in drunk driving were up 5% from 2020.
Fatalities in multi-vehicle crashes were up 16%.
Motorcyclist fatalities were up 9% from 2020.

Why do more accidents occur on holidays like Easter?

Increased traffic congestion during holidays is one of the leading causes of increased car accidents and tractor-trailer accidents during holiday periods. More congestion creates more danger and hazard.
People tend to consume more alcohol on holidays which leads to increased accidents and fatalities. Truck driving is always a major cause of tractor-trailer accidents and other car accidents.
Distracted driving caused by cellular phone usage, texting, and GPS mapping because tractor-trailer accidents on a regular weekly basis. The reason is simple. People look down at their cell phone that is giving directions to them. When they look down it distracts them from seeing the other traffic on the road and accidents occur.
Fatigued drivers cause large truck accidents and car accidents. Truck drivers are always somewhat fatigued. When drivers of cars travel long distances to visit relatives over holidays which makes for both fatigued truck drivers and other types of vehicles.
Poor weather conditions have been happening across the United States with torrential rains, floods, hail, and high wind conditions. These bad weather conditions greatly contribute to car accidents. Truck drivers are not supposed to drive in bad weather conditions. In Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, and Oklahoma lawyers see horrible tractor-trailer accidents when negligent truck drivers fail to park their semis.

How do I avoid car wrecks over Easter?

Drivers can avoid large truck accidents over Easter by avoiding the following:

Drive during daylight since statistics show more accidents occur at night.
Drive for no more than 3 hours without taking a break to help avoid fatigue.
Avoid driving in bad weather or high winds.
Make sure you eat well and are hydrated to help with concentration.
When using mapping functions have the cell phone mounted on your dash.
Avoid alcohol consumption while driving.
Avoid large trucks and semis that often change lanes without warning.
Use mapping functions that give warnings about traffic construction and accidents.
Keep pets secured so they cannot interfere with driving.
Use weather Apps to avoid driving through bad weather areas and change routes when necessary.