An Allstate spokesperson, Jim Klapthor, explained they were not certain why the 15th of December produces the most accidents and the most claims, but it could be attributed to weather, "as you consider snow in the North, rain in the South, high winds in the Central Valley." But, also "holiday traffic and shopping distractions could play a role."

The average daily number of auto insurance claims during the rest of the year is 435, but on Dec. 15 the daily average jumps to 539 — a 23 percent increase. Klapthor said the fourth worst day of the year is just three days later on Dec. 18, when the average number of claims is 523 over the past four years. The second-most dangerous day was Valentine’s Day, and the third was Oct. 13.

Klapthor said these numbers may not be reflected in local police or public safety records, as insurance claims are not necessarily ticketed incidents.

“It helps to reinforce that important message that accidents on the date we’re looking at may or may not be moving violations that appear on a police report,” Klapthor said. “It could just be a parking-lot collision or backing up into a relative’s car in the driveway, so they wouldn’t call the police but they may report damage to their insurance company.”

The reason for such a high average for auto claims on December 15th could be distractions due to holiday parties, shopping, rushing, and the anticipation of Christmas Day.