Ohio roadways see more fatal crashes on these holidays, study says

Craig Webb, Akron Beacon Journal
·2 min read
A new study of traffic data over the last 15 years shows an uptick in fatal accidents in Ohio on certain holidays.
A new study of traffic data over the last 15 years shows an uptick in fatal accidents in Ohio on certain holidays.

Ohio's roadways can sometimes be a dangerous place − particularly on holidays.

A new study of traffic data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration over the last 15 years shows an uptick in fatal accidents on certain holidays in the Buckeye State. And the holidays in which fatal accidents rise compared to other days in a particular month might just surprise you.

The review of traffic data by the Columbus-based Fitch law firm found fatal accidents increased on four holidays but decreased on another four.

Fatal crashes in Ohio increase on Thanksgiving

The Fitch study found Thanksgiving has the biggest spike − 246% − of fatal crashes on Ohio roadways compared to other days in the same month.

There is an average of 11.7 fatal crashes on Thanksgiving Day in Ohio. The state's daily average, according to the study, in November is 3.4.

Christmas Day is the next highest in terms of a rise in fatal crashes compared to the daily average in December, with a 222% rise in Ohio.

Next is Labor Day with a 121% rise and lastly Memorial Day with a 5% rise.

The Fitch study found Thanksgiving has the biggest spike of fatal crashes on Ohio roadways compared to other days in November.
The Fitch study found Thanksgiving has the biggest spike of fatal crashes on Ohio roadways compared to other days in November.

Why is Thanksgiving Day so deadly on Ohio roadways?

A factor for what happens on Thanksgiving could be what happens the day before.

The day before has been dubbed "Blackout Wednesday" or "Drinksgiving" by some, as people flock to bars or parties and then hit the roads.

It is also a big travel day, with countless people visiting family.

A study by the National Safety Council says driving some 20 hours without sleep can be just as dangerous as having a blood alcohol content of 0.08%.

The number of fatal crashes decrease on New Years Eve

New Year's Eve actually sees a 34% drop in fatal crashes in Ohio, the study found, compared to other December days.

New Year's Day fatal crashes are 4% less than the monthly average.

Fatal deaths on Halloween in Ohio traffic crashes drop some 17% compared to other October days.

Rounding out the survey, traffic fatalities on Ohio's roadways drop 11% on the Fourth of July compared to the average for that month.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Fatal crashes in Ohio increase most on Thanksgiving, study says