Does Black Friday Have Higher Accident Rates?

Holidays Spike Accident Claims

Black Friday is infamous for many reasons: bustling crowds, reduced prices on items you've been saving for, and midnight shopping. But did you know that this day also shows an increase in motor vehicle accidents? Compared to data from the two weeks before and after the Thanksgiving holiday, Black Friday has a 34% increase in collisions. Read on to learn more.

Parking Lot Collisions

Unsurprisingly, the biggest contributor to accident claims on Black Friday is collisions in parking lots. Reports from 2015 show that an average of 31% of insurance claims on this day are related to backing up or parking. This is primarily due to the increased traffic at department stores and shopping malls.

Despite some states still having mandates against in-person shopping, there was a 52% increase in curbside and in-store pickups in 2020. As these become a mainstay for big-box retailers, it likely will not be uncommon to see more parking-related incidents on Black Friday moving forward.

Driving Under the Influence

The Thanksgiving holiday period consistently sees increased rates of drunk driving compared to other days of the year, and agencies like the National Safety Council (NSC) track these crashes from Wednesday night to Sunday morning. As mentioned in a previous blog, alcohol-related crashes during this period account for 29% of fatalities.

The NSC also reports a forecast for holiday traffic, and 2021 is expected to have one of the highest rates of fatal collisions in the last ten years. After completing your annual Black Friday shopping trip, remember to celebrate the season responsibly.

Advocating For You Every Step of the Way

No one expects the holidays to end in a collision, but unfortunately, hundreds of people are injured nationwide during these periods. Know that your right to a safe roadway does not go away during the holidays, and you can seek compensation for injuries caused by a negligent driver.

If you need legal representation this holiday season, call 850-438-4848 or fill out this short form to get in touch with a member of our team.