Why Thanksgiving is One of the Deadliest Days for Drivers

Thanksgiving is one of the deadliest days of the year for drivers due to multiple factors related to the stark increase in the number of drivers on the road. This day sees more traffic, higher numbers of drunk drivers on the road, higher rates of driver fatigue, drivers unfamiliar with the area rushing to get to their destinations, and the potential of inclement weather.

An Atlanta fatal car accident lawyer can provide more information about the potential hazards drivers face on Thanksgiving. If you lose a loved one on any day of the year, you can also get professional help filing a wrongful death claim.

Why is Thanksgiving One of the Deadliest Days for Drivers?

Multiple factors contribute to making Thanksgiving a deadly day for anyone on the road. We often see more fatal accidents on this holiday due to issues like:

Heavier Traffic

Lots of people travel on Thanksgiving to be with family and friends. Increased traffic can result in congestion, increasing the odds of an accident.

Higher Percentages of Drunk Driving

The fact of the matter is that many people enjoy drinking a little while at Thanksgiving festivities. Some people overindulge and then get behind the wheel while impaired. Driving under the influence (DUI) greatly increases the odds of accidents.

Drivers Operating a Vehicle While Fatigued

Thanksgiving festivities can start early in the day and stretch well into the night. Long hours and heavy food can work together to result in drowsy driving. Tired drivers often have slower reaction times and may even fall asleep behind the wheel, resulting in more accidents.

Driving on Unfamiliar Roads

Visiting distant relatives and friends often means driving on unfamiliar roads. Drivers who aren’t sure where they’re going may get distracted by their GPS or act erratically if they miss a turn.

Poor Weather

The late fall months can bring unpredictable weather along with them. While we don’t usually get heavy snows, the roads may freeze on cold nights, and drivers may face issues with heavy fog. All of these factors contribute to why Thanksgiving is one of the deadliest days for drivers.

Precautions to Avoid Crashes on Thanksgiving

Taking suitable precautions can reduce the chances of a driver getting into a fatal collision on Thanksgiving. Drivers can protect themselves and others by:

• Doing all driving during the day
• Following all traffic laws, including regulations on speed limits
• Choosing a designated driver for parties that involve alcohol
• Keeping emergency supplies in the car

Taking these steps may minimize the chances of ending up in an accident, but nothing can totally prevent collisions, especially on busy days like Thanksgiving.

What to Do After a Deadly Accident on Thanksgiving

If you lost a loved one in a fatal accident on Thanksgiving, you can get compassionate assistance and legal support from an Atlanta car accident lawyer. An attorney can explain the steps you need to take to bring a wrongful death claim against the liable party.

Filing a legal claim cannot bring back a loved one, but it can allow your family to get a sense of closure after an accident. It also gives you a chance to get the funds you need to financially recover from the losses associated with a deadly collision.

An attorney can guide you through the legal process, answer any questions that you have, and handle all legal challenges faced by your family. You do not have to try to handle this difficult time on your own.

Damages Available After a Fatal Accident

Filing a wrongful death claim in Georgia allows you to secure funds to cover your loved one’s medical expenses and the cost of a funeral. The court system will also look at damages related to the value of your loved one’s lost life.

Basically, the court can provide funds to cover what your loved one lost because someone else’s actions prevented them from fully living their life. For example, the court may review your loved one’s estimated future income.

An Atlanta wrongful death lawyer can give you more information on these claims and the damages your family could face.

Talk to Us After a Deadly Accident on Thanksgiving

So, why is Thanksgiving one of the deadliest days for drivers? Multiple factors contribute to the hazards drivers face on the road on Thanksgiving, including heavy traffic, more drunk drivers, distracted drivers, fatigued drivers, and even poor weather conditions.

If you lost a loved one due to another driver’s dangerous actions on Thanksgiving, you can get professional and compassionate support. At John Foy & Associates, we understand what you’re going through in this situation, and we have the experience necessary to assist in this challenging time.

Our team has over 350 years of combined legal experience, and we believe in putting our clients first. We’ll stand by your family, answer any questions you have, and build your claim while you focus on caring for the emotional needs of your loved ones.