Thanksgiving Weekend a Dangerous Time for Car Accidents
This Thanksgiving may look different from past years, with many people taking extra precautions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, those who choose to travel to spend time with their families will likely still be contending with the increased risk of car accidents that holiday weekend traffic tends to bring. As you prepare to travel, you should take care to drive safely, and know what you can do if you are injured in an accident.
Car Crash Statistics on Thanksgiving Weekend
Multiple sources report that Thanksgiving weekend comes with an increased risk of fatal accidents, with hundreds of fatalities occurring each year nationwide. Part of the reason for this is the higher number of people traveling longer distances to spend time with family. Alcohol is also a contributing factor when people take to the road after a Thanksgiving celebration, and depending on the year and the location, inclement weather can also lead to dangerous driving conditions.
Thanksgiving accidents also tend to be concentrated on major interstate highways. I-10 and I-35, which both pass directly through San Antonio, are typically some of the most dangerous. If your travel plans require you to take one of these roads, you should be especially cautious.
Avoiding Thanksgiving Car Accidents
Despite the additional risks, there are a few things you can do to decrease your chances of being involved in an accident:
- Do not drive after drinking alcohol. If you will be drinking at your Thanksgiving celebration, make plans to stay put or to have a designated driver so that you do not have to drive when your abilities are impaired.
- Try to avoid driving at night. Driving at night means lower visibility, greater chances of drowsy driving, especially after a large Thanksgiving meal, and more drunk drivers on the road.
- Make sure your car is ready for the weather. Texas drivers may not have to worry much about snow and ice on Thanksgiving, but heavy rains and high winds can also make driving more difficult. Check your tires, windshield wipers, and other equipment to be sure they can withstand the elements if you run into bad weather on your trip.
- If you do get into an accident and you or a family member suffers an injury, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible and contact an attorney. We can help you establish the negligence of another driver and build a case for full compensation for any damages.
Contact a New Braunfels Personal Injury Attorney
At The Bettersworth Law Firm, we want all Texans to have a safe and happy Thanksgiving, and we are ready to help if a car accident derails your plans. If you are injured, contact a New Braunfels, TX car accident lawyer at 830-443-9193 to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you achieve the results you need.
Sources:
https://www.valuepenguin.com/most-dangerous-holidays-drive
https://www.houstoniamag.com/travel-and-outdoors/2019/11/texas-highways-deadly-holiday-travel-traffic
