THE MOST DANGEROUS HOLIDAYS FOR DRIVING
The 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month Veterans Day comes every Nov. 11. It’s a national holiday that recognizes veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces and honors those both living and deceased. Historically, the day marks Armistice Day and the end of the Great War: World War I. But what is the significance of the number 11? The armistice was signed at 5:45 a.m. in France, but it took effect at 11 a.m. that same morning — which happened to be Nov. 11, 1918. The armistice originally lasted 36 days but was extended month after month. This led to the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919, when peace was officially declared. Later that year, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed that Nov. 11 would be known as Armistice Day to honor those who fought in the Great War. This lasted until 1954, when President Dwight Eisenhower signed a proclamation turning Armistice Day into Veterans Day. The change was made in order to recognize all veterans who had honorably served their country. By 1954, the U.S. had fought in more wars — specifically World War II and the Korean War — and hundreds of thousands more Americans had served. Unsurprisingly, there was some political drama surrounding the day. In 1968, Congress made Veterans Day a federal holiday under the Uniform Holiday Bill. The idea was to increase the number of three-day weekends in the year. Veterans Day became a holiday that would fall on the fourth Monday of October, a far cry from Nov. 11. WHY VETERANS DAY AND THE NUMBER 11 GO HAND IN HAND
New Year’s Eve is one of the most talked about holidays when it comes to dangerous driving, thanks to the many revelers who venture out to ring in the New Year by drinking and celebrating. What isn’t as obvious, however, is just how treacherous other holidays can be. Here in Texas and around the country, revelers who celebrate with alcohol — no matter the occasion — put everyone on the road at risk. This has become especially true as the cost of flying continues to increase and many people are choosing to drive instead of fly due to COVID-19 fears. The deadliest holiday of the year, surprisingly, isn’t New Year’s Eve. It’s actually Thanksgiving. The reason for its danger comes down to a combination of factors: heightened road congestion, aggressive driving, and driver fatigue. Add in drinking, and you’re left with major potential for disaster. The Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day are the next three deadliest holiday weekends, followed by New Year’s Eve and Halloween. And when a holiday falls on a Friday or Saturday, it’s even worse. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), upwards of 60% more car crashes occur on Saturday and Sunday than other days of the week. For people whose holiday weekends are marred by an injury or a vehicle crash, compensation for the damages they have suffered may be available. Accidents like these often lead to a perfect storm of medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It always pays to be extra careful when you head out on the road, whether it’s during your commute to work or while you’re on the way to enjoy a holiday weekend. But should the worst happen, you have rights and someone looking out for you at Aulsbrook Law.
However, in 1978, Veterans Day was restored to its original Nov. 11 date. But why?
The answer is simple. It’s a number that sticks with you. When the clock strikes 11:11, you always take notice. By that same notion, we all remember the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Because of this, we’ll never forget the end of the Great War, nor will we forget those who served.
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