Thanksgiving is a time to spend with friends and family, surrounded by laughter and good food. The only thing you should have to focus on is enjoying this time of thankfulness–not worrying about whether you’ll see tomorrow.
With the increase in travel, as people fly to visit family and take time off work for the holidays, it is anticipated to see an increase in traffic– and consequently car accidents–will rise. There are a variety of reasons that could cause a car accident, but the main reason during Thanksgiving break is impaired driving. In 2022, alcohol-impaired fatalities (blood-alcohol content of 0.08 g/dL or higher) represented 32% of total traffic fatalities, and during Thanksgiving Day 35% of fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver. (NSC) With these facts in mind, it is important to follow these safety tips to protect your and your loved one’s lives.
SEAT BELTS SAVE LIVES
Seat belts are statistically 45% effective in preventing fatality for front-seat passenger car occupants. (NSC) Wearing a seatbelt is the most effective safety measure you can take to help protect yourself in the event of a car accident. It is also important to note that in the State of Georgia, it’s the law.
DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE
The most straightforward safety tip we can recommend is not to get behind the wheel unless you are sober. It is important to remember, every ounce of liquor(or one standard beverage) takes the body one hour to fully process. In the case you do plan to drink and will not be able to drive, designate a driver or utilize rideshare programs to get yourself home safely. Keep an eye on your friends and family. If you notice them drinking too much, make sure they have a safe route home.
LOOK OUT FOR OTHERS
If you ever notice anyone on the roads driving erratically or suspect that someone may be driving under the influence, contact 911 immediately. This small act could save not only their life but also many others.
CHECK FOR ROAD CONDITIONS
While the weather may be fluctuating, keep in mind that driving conditions can vary. When temperatures drop, tire pressure can change. Low tire pressures increase the risk of a blowout. For proper tire maintenance, check out this guide by the NHTSA.
The sun notoriously sets sooner the closer we get to winter. Ensure that your headlights work and have proper eye protection if you find yourself driving during sunset.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the busiest day to travel for Thanksgiving?
The highest volume of travelers leaves for their trip on Wednesday.
What is the best time to drive during Thanksgiving?
Drivers are recommended to leave early in the morning if possible or after 6 P.M. local time, to avoid traffic.
When should I take a break when making a long trip?
Whenever you start to feel drowsy or unable to focus on the road, you should take a break. However, it is recommended to pull over and rest after every 2 hours(~100 miles)
Jones & Swanson Is A Personal Injury Law Firm Located In Marietta, Georgia, If You Or Someone You Know Has Been In A Car Accident, Slip And Fall, Or Dog Bite, Seek Immediate Medical Assistance, Then Give Us A Call At (770) 427-5498 Or contact Us On Awjlaw.com for A Free Consultation To Find Out The Next Steps You May Want To Take.
Categories: Auto Accidents, Car Accident, Defensive Driving, Distracted Driving, Safety Tips
