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Data Shows Texas Car Crashes Spike On Christmas Eve


More Texans crash their cars on Christmas Eve than any other day of the year, according to Allstate Insurance.

The company reviewed data over a five year period between 2006 and 2010. The number of auto insurance claims jumped the highest on Dec. 24, spiking 22 percent.

In Austin, we tracked accidents on Monday afternoon. In a two hour span there were 15 crashes, everything from fender benders to cars spinning out on I-35.

“Actually a guy just pulled in front of me on Burnet road,” said Austin driver Driver Stephanie Lovings.

“We do have some people who drive a little fast so everyone just needs to take their time,” said driver Lisa Anderson.

Allstate agent Kelly Conway Reash says her office is prepared for the influx of calls. “A lot of claims we get this year is for parking lot incidents, where people have gone into the store finished their Christmas shopping and they see a ding or dent on their vehicle,” she said.

And it’s not just Christmas Eve. The other top days for accidents include, Dec. 1, 11, 18 and April 7.

Here’s why. Allstate says more people are distracted during the holidays with shopping and last minute errands.

One of their main concerns is one out of five vehicles is uninsured. To get the minimum liability it could cost drivers as low as $50 per month. Kelly says that’s a cost that could end up saving you more.

“If you cause an accident and someone is injured or killed potentially, they are going to come after you and those assets you’ve worked hard for,” she said.

Allstate is asking drivers to eliminate distractions, drive according to the weather conditions and don’t drink and drive this holiday season.

By Christie Post