You’ve probably heard that there are more cars on the road at Thanksgiving in Georgia than any other holiday. It stands to reason, then, that there are probably more accidents in Georgia around this time too, right?
There is an uptick for sure, considering that a few years ago, the National Safety Council predicted there would be over 430 deaths related to car accidents over that four-day weekend.
The numbers have gone down over the years, which is good, but there are still an inordinate number of traffic accidents expected each year. For 2018, the number predicted by the Georgia Department of Transportation and the Georgia State Patrol for Thanksgiving was nearly 3,000 accidents, resulting in over 1,300 injuries and 20 deaths. If you’re driving this Thanksgiving season, please be safe out there.
Reasons For The Increase In Accidents
There are several reasons why the number of accidents tend to increase over Thanksgiving weekend. The most obvious reason is because there are more cars on the road, which lead to more people not paying attention and causing accidents. In addition to this, you also have the following to blame.
Tired Drivers
Maybe it was all that turkey they ate, or maybe they were tired from dealing with their frustrating in-laws all day. Maybe they drove 20 hours to see family, and now they have to drive 20 hours back home. Whatever the reason, you have many more tired drivers on the road during Thanksgiving weekend, and tired drivers make mistakes.
Tired drivers display a lack of concentration and may even doze off at the wheel. The longer a tired driver is on the road, the more likely that driver is going to get into an accident.
A Lack Of Knowledge Of The Area
Visitors who are in town for the holiday are unfamiliar with the roads. They are constantly checking their GPS and/or their phones, looking up or texting for directions. These behaviors result in distracted driving, which can lead to an accident.
Another problem is that out-of-towners may be unaware of the sharp curves or road hazards that others who travel the roads more often know to watch out for. And when they notice these things, it’s almost too late, which can cause them to slam on the brakes.
This can cause those behind them to hit them – especially if they too are not paying attention. Or these drivers may simply cause the accident themselves after taking a sharper curve too quickly, or something similar. Worse is if that sharp curve or road hazard comes up while they’re looking at their GPS or phone. Talk about a recipe for disaster!
Impaired Drivers
People may have a bit too much to drink with Thanksgiving dinner (or worse), then head right out to do their Black Friday shopping before their leftovers are even cold. Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol have slower reaction times, less accurate coordination, and impaired judgment. All these things can add up to an increase in the number of accidents that can occur.
If any of these tired, impaired, or inattentive drivers cause you to become involved in an accident, Atlanta car accident lawyer is here to help. Perhaps the only thing worse than being involved in a car accident is being involved in a car accident around the holidays.
Taking Precautions
Knowing that these are the kind of drivers you may be driving alongside if you must also travel for the Thanksgiving holiday is no comfort. But you can take precautions to protect yourself in case the worst occurs.
First, always wear your seat belt. This is true no matter how far you’re traveling. Studies have shown that more people get into accidents within five miles of their homes, so even if you’re running out to grab an extra can of cranberry sauce from the convenience store around the corner, buckle up.
Second, try to avoid the behaviors that are so common on the roads this time of year. Make sure you have your route mapped out far in advance, and that you have a good idea of where you’re going. Make sure you get plenty of sleep before you venture out and take plenty of breaks if you have a long trip ahead of you. Do not drink and drive, do not text and drive, and if you have to check your GPS for directions, pull over.
If the worst happens, and you do become involved in an accident over the holiday weekend, our lawyers are here for you.
If You Suffered An Accident During Thanksgiving Weekend, Call Us!
An accident during the holiday season is the worst. For the rest of your life, you will always remember that one Thanksgiving where you got into the car accident. An accident suffered around the holidays can have a particularly strong impact with regard to pain and suffering and emotional distress. If you have suffered an accident during the holidays, our Atlanta car accident lawyers can help you find some peace.
Fill out the form to the right or call us at (404) 341-6555 to speak with one of the skilled members on our team. You will receive a free consultation with no obligation to retain, and we do not collect any fees unless we win. Let us help. Call today!
