Thanksgiving is One of the Deadliest Days of the Year for Drivers

As the holidays quickly approach, Georgia drivers should be sure to keep in mind that while this time of the year may be a great time for family gatherings, it can also be dangerous for anyone planning on spending time on the road. While it can seem incongruous, the reality is that a day meant for celebrating gratitude with loved ones leads to hundreds of fatal car crashes every year in the U.S. Georgia is not immune to this problem. In fact, 14 people lost their lives in Georgia while driving on Thanksgiving in 2023 and hundreds more were injured.

Why is Driving on Thanksgiving So Dangerous? 

While we may not perceive it as being so, driving is always a dangerous endeavor. The risks of being involved in a collision, however, are heightened in certain situations, including on holidays. This trend has been attributed to a number of different factors, including:

• An increase in the number of vehicles on the road, as the more traffic congestion there is, the more likely it is that an accident will occur;
• An increased risk of intoxication, as drinking alcohol is more common at family parties and holiday celebrations;
• More fatigued drivers on the road, with many people traveling long distances to visit family and friends;
• Unfamiliarity with local roads, with Georgia seeing a lot more out-of-state visitors during the holiday months; and
• Inclement weather, which can wreak havoc on traction and visibility, especially for those who are not familiar with driving in Georgia in the autumn and winter months.

All of these factors make it a lot more likely that a person will be involved in an accident during the holiday season. Fortunately, drivers can take precautionary measures to avoid being the cause of such a crash.

Precautionary Measures 

There are steps that drivers can take to help lower their chances of being involved in a car accident this Thanksgiving, including:

• Assigning a designated driver to give you a ride if you plan on drinking at a family party or other event;
• Driving during the day, as most fatal Thanksgiving accidents occur at night when visibility is poor;
• Having emergency supplies on hand, like safety triangles, which can alert other drivers to a breakdown and help avoid a collision;
• Complying with traffic laws regarding speed limits, passing lanes, and merging; and
• Using public transportation, like a ride sharing service, especially if you plan on drinking on the holiday.

Unfortunately, even the most careful of drivers could end up involved in an accident this Thanksgiving through no fault of their own. If this happens to you, know that you could be entitled to compensation for your losses.

Car Accident Lawyers in Sandy Springs 

If you were hurt in a car crash in Georgia, you need a legal advocate on your side who can fight for your legal right to compensation. Initiate your own personal injury claim today by calling the experienced Atlanta car accident lawyers at Shiver Hamilton Campbell today.

Sources: 

nbcnews.com/news/us-news/thanksgiving-holiday-road-traffic-accidents-multiple-deaths-rcna126550

newsweek.com/number-predicted-die-american-roads-over-thanksgiving-national-safety-council-1843645