The Fourth of July tops all the other major holidays in the U.S. when it comes to the number of drunk driving fatalities. Connecticut residents may also be intrigued to hear that the DUI fatality rate fluctuates based on what day the holiday falls on. Researchers from ValuePenguin have gathered data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to come to these conclusions.
NHTSA reported 1,192 DUI fatalities on the Fourth of July between 2010 and 2017. The fatality rate was calculated as 42.4 deaths per day. Following this was Memorial Day with a total of 1,105 deaths during that same period and a fatality rate of 39.5. Labor Day was third with a rate of 38.1.
Considering this data, it’s no wonder that AAA calls the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day “the 100 deadliest days of summer.” The Fourth of July weekend is deadlier than any equivalent span of summer days. During the holiday weekend, the risk for a fatal DUI crash goes up 57%.
The Fourth of July leads to more DUI fatalities when it is on a Wednesday than on any other day. The rate rises to 52 deaths per day on a Wednesday Independence Day. On the other hand, Saturdays are the safest with a rate of 36.3.
Car accidents involving drunk drivers can lead to personal injuries as well as death. Someone who survives such an accident may file a third-party insurance claim. A successful claim could reimburse a victim for their medical bills, any wages they lost and any pain and suffering they endured. However, a lot depends on having legal representation. That’s why a victim may wish to consult a lawyer. Legal counsel could negotiate on their behalf for a reasonable settlement.
