Live near an NFL stadium? You might want to stay home on game day to avoid an accident.
Pro sports teams inspire tremendous loyalty among their fans. Emotions run high—when the home team wins, fans are elated. But when the home team loses, the ugly side of fanaticism can come out. European soccer matches are frequently played in closed, empty stadiums due to the threat of fan violence, and violence in Baltimore MD has inspired the first-ever closed stadium Major League Baseball game here in the US.
However, a recent study from the Highway Loss Data Institute shows that the impact of pro sports events on fans’ psyches and cities’ safety is not always so dramatic.
The study sought to explore the connection between NFL game-day accidents and the outcome of the game by examining accident claims for the zip codes surrounding 31 NFL stadiums during the 2011, 2012, and 2013 seasons.
Researchers discovered that on average, on days when the home team won, 3.2 percent more accident claims were filed by car owners in the area around the stadium. When the home team lost or tied, 9.4 percent more claims were filed.
Worst NFL Stadiums to Drive Near on Game Day
Some NFL stadiums showed a more dramatic link between game days and accident claims. The average increase in claims on game day (win, lose, or draw) was 5.8 percent, and 17 of the 31 NFL venues were above this average. The worst offenders were:
- New Orleans Saints—35.3 percent increase
- Detroit Lions—28.5 percent increase
- Pittsburg Steelers—22 percent increase
- Chicago Bears—19.6 percent increase
The study authors acknowledge one major limitation in their data, namely that the accident claims were sorted by the vehicle owner’s address, not the address where the accident actually took place. This means that accident claims from individuals who drove in from the suburbs or from other cities or states to attend the game could not be considered. However, the study authors remain confident that the accident claims they studied are probably indicative of the impact of heavy traffic around stadiums on game day. Half of the stadiums considered can hold 70,000 people or more, not to mention stadium employees, and it is clear that this would put pressure on local traffic.
Have You Been Injured in a Game Day Car Accident?
If you get into a car accident on game day, it is important to remain calm. The last thing you want is to get into a confrontation with an angry fan. Instead simply exchange information, document the scene of the accident as best you can, and call your car accident injury attorney right away. You can call the Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas for a free initial consultation to find out if you have a strong case for compensation. If you do, you will receive expert representation and assistance at no cost until we win you a settlement.
