Thanksgiving is an important holiday for many families, as it is marked as a time of togetherness and gratitude. Traditionally, many families embark on long journeys to reunite with their loved ones, where they take the opportunity to reflect on their blessings and express appreciation for the good things in their lives. According to research, most families drive at least 50 miles to reach their holiday destination. As such, this poses a unique set of challenges for motorists. With an influx of traffic, among other factors, there is an increased risk of being involved in a car accident during Thanksgiving weekend. Please continue reading and contact a competent New York City Car Accident Attorney to learn more about why there is an increased likelihood of being involved in a collision during Thanksgiving weekend.
How common are auto accidents on Thanksgiving weekend?
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day. Since there is an increase in traffic, holiday stress, and the potential for bad weather conditions, the likelihood of a car accident occurring increases significantly during this holiday weekend. When motorists encounter substantial traffic delays, they are more likely to engage in dangerous driving behaviors such as distracted driving, drunk driving, tailgating, and speeding. Thanksgiving festivities often involve alcohol consumption. While there’s nothing wrong with having a few drinks, it becomes a serious issue when an intoxicated individual makes the poor decision to get behind the wheel. Unfortunately, drunk driving is the number one cause of auto accidents on Thanksgiving.
How can I reduce the risks of being involved in a car accident during this holiday?
To mitigate the risks of being involved in an auto accident this Thanksgiving weekend, avoid getting behind the wheel while you’re intoxicated. If you plan on drinking, make alternate arrangements, such as a designated driver or public transportation. Even if you do not plan on drinking, you should be mindful of impaired drivers by remaining alert behind the wheel. In addition, you should prepare for heavy traffic. If you encounter traffic delays, remember to have patience. If you engage in aggressive driving behaviors, you will only make the situation worse.
Furthermore, it would be best if you put your phone down. In traffic jams, you will not have sufficient time to react accordingly if you’re distracted. Motorists tend to tailgate one another in traffic, which increases the risk of a rear-end collision.
If you plan on driving this Thanksgiving weekend, knowing the common causes of car accidents is crucial to minimize the risks. If you’re injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, please don’t hesitate to enlist the help of a determined attorney from the legal team at Swerling Law. Our firm is prepared to help you fight for the just compensation you deserve and need to get back on your feet again.
