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Thanksgiving: One of the Deadliest Days on the Road

On Behalf of | Oct 30, 2018 | Helpful Tips

Generally, when we think of dangerous holidays, we tend to think of New Year’s Eve or the Fourth of July and other holidays that lend themselves to heavy drinking and partying. However, Thanksgiving is actually one of the deadliest days for drivers. It might seem strange that a day meant for family gatherings could lead to so many fatal motor vehicle accidents, but statistics show that there is an average of 258 fatal accidents every year during this family-oriented holiday. To put this into perspective, New Year’s Eve has an annual average of 245 fatal accidents.

Below is a list of some ways in which you can avoid getting involved in a motor vehicle accident on Thanksgiving:

  • Choose a designated driver: This is one of the tried and true methods of reaching your destination safely. If you plan on drinking, ask a sober friend or family member for a ride. If the drive is a bit long, offer to pitch in for gas. Most friends and family are happy to help, so go ahead and ask. Drunk driving is particularly more common the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, earning it the nickname “Black Wednesday,” so whatever you do, never drive while impaired.
  • Drive during the day: Most accidents tend to happen in the evening, so try to drive during the day instead. This will make it easier to see the road and other vehicles.
  • Be prepared with emergency supplies: Your car should always be stocked with an emergency kit that includes items like safety triangles or squares. In the event that your car breaks down or you are involved in an accident, having an emergency kit can be a major lifesaver and even help other drivers see you if you cannot move your car from the road.
  • Acknowledge the “move over” and “fast lane” laws: If there is a vehicle on the side of the road, slow down and move over, but never drive in the left lane unless you are attempting to pass traffic. This lane is generally reserved for faster-moving traffic and it is also not uncommon for drunk drivers to drift into this lane. The further to the right you are, the better off you will be.
  • Use public transportation: If your Thanksgiving get-together is near where you live, try opting for some form of public transportation to get there, such as a taxi or ridesharing service like Uber or Lyft. Doing so will force you to call for a ride home, which will come in handy if you were drinking and do not have a sober friend or family member to take you home.
  • Fly instead of drive: A road trip might sound like fun, but this will increase your chances of being in a crash. With so many people on the road traveling to their Thanksgiving destination, there is a strong likelihood that you could be involved in a terrible accident. If you can afford it, skip the long road trip and take buy a plane ticket or take a train.

Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys in Athens

If you were injured in a car accident that was caused by another party’s negligent actions, you need a skilled legal advocate on your side to fight for the compensation you need and deserve. At Hall & Collins Injury Law, LLC, our team of attorneys in Athens is dedicated to fighting on behalf of the wrongfully injured and will do what it takes to ensure the responsible party is held accountable for their actions.

Begin your personal injury claim today and reach out to our law firm at 706-940-7889 to request a free initial case review with one of our knowledgeable and experienced attorneys.

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