3 Common Reasons for Thanksgiving Traffic Accidentsentry-title

Photo Of Rear End Car Accident

If you plan to travel by car to visit family or friends for Thanksgiving this year, stay safe and be aware that it is a peak holiday for traffic accidents. Here are three common reasons why traffic accidents occur during this time:

Reason #1: An Increase in Traffic

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), more than 45 million people traveled by car to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday in 2017. Throughout the holiday, there will be a higher volume of cars and in turn, less road space to share. People will be driving with determination to get to their destinations. Many drivers will be driving on unfamiliar roads. Mixed with other dangerous driving behaviors, such as talking on the phone or fidgeting with a navigation system, there is a greater likelihood for traffic crashes.

Reason #2: An Increase in Drowsy Driving

Many families will drive at least 50 miles during the holiday. Drivers may try to avoid heavy traffic delays by traveling early in the morning or late at night. Driving at times when the driver is usually sleeping could increase the driver’s risk of falling asleep at the wheel. In addition, if driving long distances, a driver should take proper rest breaks or switch places with a passenger to avoid a drowsy driving accident.

Reason #3: An Increase in Drunk Driving

When people do not plan a safe way home before going out and drinking, there is a greater chance that they will drive drunk. According to information published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 800 people were killed in alcohol-impaired traffic crashes in the days leading up to and following Thanksgiving Day between 2012 and 2016. Binge drinking at local bars has become the standard on Thanksgiving Eve. However, many people will drink with family on Thanksgiving and during the following days, too. Unfortunately, many people will drive back to their hotel or back home while intoxicated.

Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney?

If you have been injured in an accident due to the negligence of another driver, you should contact a California car accident attorney as soon as possible. At Gnau & Tamez Law Group, LLP, we handle every aspect of our clients’ car accident cases so they can focus on recovery.

We recommend that you keep our Glove Box Download in your car in case of an accident. It will guide you through what to do after an accident and will help you remember which information to gather before leaving the scene. Remember: If you need help now, call Steve Gnau! Call (951) 370-1111 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case evaluation.