Thanksgiving Travel Safety: Avoiding Accidents on Atlanta’s Roadways

Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday for most families in the U.S., as it offers a chance for loved ones to get together and enjoy each other’s company. Many people travel long distances, and it is often the only point in the year when multiple generations are together under one roof.

Unfortunately, traveling during this time of year has its hazards. Accidents are more common, and impaired drivers are a common occurrence. Our Atlanta personal injury attorney team has compiled the following guide for avoiding accidents on Atlanta’s roadways. We urge you to be safe and take extra caution when traveling this November.

Accidents are Unfortunately Common During the Thanksgiving Holiday

Accidents are not only a common occurrence each year at Thanksgiving, but the accidents that do occur frequently have severe consequences. According to the National Safety Council (NSC) there are often more than 500 traffic fatalities nationally each year during the Thanksgiving holiday period.

The rate of fatal accidents during the holidays has fallen since the mid-90s and early 2000s. In 2006 alone, there were over 600 traffic fatalities during this holiday weekend. However, those numbers dropped significantly between 2008 and 2020 before rapidly increasing in 2021.

For every fatal accident that occurs, there are countless collisions that involve serious bodily injuries or property damage. Understanding the risks is vital any time you get behind the wheel during the holiday season.

The Increased Risks on Atlanta Roadways During Thanksgiving Travel

There are a number of reasons why accidents are more likely to occur during the holiday than in most other parts of the year. For starters, there are more cars on the road than normal as families drive to see each other for Thanksgiving. All things equal, more cars on the road means more accidents.

Depending on the circumstances, weather can also increase the risk of a crash. Each year, Thanksgiving marks the point on the calendar when days get shorter and colder. If there is snow, ice, or fog to contend with, the chances of a collision increase dramatically.

Stress and fatigue are also factors this time of year. Drivers who are worried about being late to a family gathering might drive at unsafe speeds. Others might be overwhelmed by stress or fatigue to the point that they are unable to keep a careful eye on the road in front of them.

Thanksgiving travel can be stressful anywhere, but it can be especially tricky in Atlanta. This large city is a transportation hub with an international airport and multiple intersecting highways. The traffic from I-75, &-285 and GA-400 can represent the kind of congestion that most roads will never experience. These issues only further compound the risks that are inherent with holiday travel.

The Impact of Alcohol on Thanksgiving Driving

One important but unfortunate factor to consider is the increase in alcohol use during this time of year. As families gather to enjoy each other’s company, many choose to have a few drinks. There are significant dangers that come with operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, and the rate of drunk driving escalates significantly this time of year.

Alcohol has a detrimental impact on a person’s ability to drive in different ways. It can slow reaction time, making it difficult or impossible to stop in time to avoid a crash. Alcohol loosens inhibitions, which can lead drivers to take risks they would otherwise avoid.

There are other options for getting around safely, even during the holidays. You could carpool with family members and use a designated driver. There are also paid options like rideshares and taxis if the need arises. If possible, you might be able to stay at your loved one’s home for the evening. All of these are viable options that can help anyone avoid the risks of drinking and driving.

Preparing for Safe Travels

A safe trip starts long before your car ever pulls out of the driveway on Thanksgiving. By taking a few steps to prepare, you can reduce the risk of an accident or a breakdown and ensure the trip goes as smoothly as possible.

Plan Your Departure

You generally have control over when you leave, and the time of your departure can play a major role in the amount of traffic or severe weather you face.

Take Care of Pre-Trip Vehicle Maintenance

Having your vehicle in proper working order not only reduces the risk of a crash, but it can also prevent you from being stranded on the side of a frigid road after breaking down. Go through all of the standard checks, including tire pressure and dashboard indicators. If you are making a long drive, take your vehicle in for service and an oil change to ensure you are ready for the trip.

Plan Your Route

Depending on your destination, you may want to do more planning than simply selecting the route offered by your navigation app. Some highways are likely to be congested, especially on the day before Thanksgiving. Review your options to see if an alternate route might save you time and avoid the traffic.

Pack the Essentials

Packing the essentials for your trip is about more than keeping everyone entertained and comfortable. Make sure you bring a charger for your mobile device in case you need to call for emergency assistance. Having food, water, and blankets in the car is also a good idea.

Defensive Driving Tips During the Thanksgiving Break

Once you are behind the wheel, it is crucial that you drive defensively until the moment you reach your destination. Atlanta’s congested roadways are a hazard that must be navigated carefully. The following tips can give you the best chance to arrive at your destination safely.

Maintain Safe Following Distance

It is never safe to follow another vehicle too closely, especially in heavy holiday traffic. Giving the driver in front of you plenty of space also means you have time to react and stop your car if other drivers rapidly decelerate.

Avoid Distractions

Never take your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel. Distractions are a serious matter, as they can dramatically increase the chance of causing a crash. Some of the most common distractions involve looking away from the road to read a text message or change the radio station. Even taking your eyes off of the road for a few seconds can make it impossible to respond to changing road conditions in time to avoid a crash. Taking your hands off the wheel to eat or groom your hair can also lead to an accident, as attempting to swerve with one hand can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

Stay Alert

You never know what to expect when you travel during the holidays. You might encounter aggressive drivers, impaired motorists, or pedestrians in unexpected places. By remaining alert and aware of your surroundings, you are in the best possible position to avoid a dangerous crash.

Adjust Your Speed

Traveling at a safe speed can require more effort and attention than simply staying below the posted limit. Road conditions can change, making it necessary to slow down well below the maximum allowed speed. If the weather is bad or traffic is heavy, driving too fast can increase the odds of a collision.

Safety for the Whole Family

In addition to planning your route and ensuring your vehicle is in safe working order, it is also important that you take into account the most vulnerable members of your family. Small children and pets require additional protection, especially when on the road during a busy season like Thanksgiving.

Before you leave, make certain that child safety systems and booster seats are appropriately installed and working as intended. Having these seats in place can greatly reduce the risk of a serious injury for a small child. Provide them with plenty of entertainment options to reduce the risk of being distracted by bored children on the highway.

Likewise, it is important to secure animals in carriers when possible. Because of their size, leaving them free within the vehicle can be dangerous if an impact happens, as they can suffer serious injuries if they are thrown from their seat.

What to Do If You are Involved in an Accident

Despite your best efforts to drive safely, accidents still happen. If you find yourself involved in a car accident, the steps you take immediately after can impact both your health and your prospective personal injury case.

Contact Law Enforcement

If your accident involves injuries, death, or notable property damage, you are required to contact law enforcement right away. The police will arrive and take a report of the accident, and you must stay in place until they get there. Talking with the police gives you a chance to ensure the truth is reflected in the police report.

Seek Medical Care

Your health and well-being have to be your top priority in the aftermath of a car accident. If your injuries are severe, you should seek medical attention immediately after the crash. This can include an immediate trip to the emergency room to address your injuries. Even if you do not feel your condition is severe, it is in your best interest to speak with a doctor right away. Your injuries could be more serious than you realize, and they can worsen if you do not seek help from a medical professional.

Remove Your Vehicle From The Road

If you are able to do so safely, it is a good idea to move your vehicle from the roadway. This can reduce the risk of a secondary collision from another driver. When you are out of the path of traffic, it is also safer to exit your vehicle, inspect the damage, and exchange information with the other driver.

Avoid Discussing the Accident

In addition to the steps you should take after an accident, there are also missteps that should be avoided at all costs. One of those is discussing the facts of your accident with the other driver. It is natural to want to check on the other party in a crash and even discuss what happened. However, anything you say could be misconstrued and used against you if your case ever goes to trial. Even a

Call Your Insurance Company

Whether you plan on filing a claim on your policy or not, you should notify your carrier that an accident occurred. In fact, the language of your policy likely requires you to provide them with notice as soon as reasonably possible. While you do need to notify your carrier of the accident to give them a chance to investigate, you can let an attorney deal directly with them beyond that.

Talk to an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in an accident through no fault of your own, an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer could advise you of your legal options. You may have a strong case for financial compensation, but pursuing a claim on your own is a mistake. Your attorney can advise you of legal deadlines and help you to build the strongest negligence case possible.

Reach Out to Mabra Law After a Car Accident on Thanksgiving

Each of these tips can greatly reduce your chances of being in an accident during the holidays. Despite your best efforts, the unfortunate reality is that crashes can happen when you cross paths with negligent motorists. These accidents can have devastating consequences, and you deserve an advocate that will help you protect your rights.

At Mabra Law, our Atlanta personal injury attorney team have spent the last two decades advocating on behalf of the injured. We understand how devastating a serious collision can be, and we are ready to put in the work to make sure you are treated fairly throughout the litigation process. Do not put yourself at risk by acting as an attorney. Contact us as soon as possible for a free consultation with a car accident lawyer.