Each Thanksgiving, millions of Americans take to the roads to enjoy the holiday with loved ones. Unfortunately, that also means that thousands of people are injured or killed in car accidents during the holiday period, defined as the Wednesday before Thanksgiving through the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Considering that Black Friday also falls in this period, the chances for being involved in a car accident increase. Thanksgiving car wrecks happen for a variety of reasons:
Drowsy driving: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving caused 795 deaths in 2017. Drowsy driving most often occurs when drivers are alone in the car, driving on rural roads and single-lane highways, and during late night, overnight, and late afternoon hours. Add in full stomachs and lack of sleep from the holiday, drowsy driving is a major cause of Thanksgiving car accidents.
Distracted driving: The NHTSA reports that in 2018, distracted driving fatally injured 2,841 people, including 1,730 drivers, 605 passengers, 400 pedestrians, and 77 bicyclists. Thanksgiving holiday drivers may have additional people in the car, along with other common distracted driving behaviors:
Drunk driving: Thanksgiving is a time of celebration, but it can also lead to over-celebrating with alcohol. Drivers who drink more than the legal limit increase the potential for car accidents. According to NHTSA, from 2013 to 2017, more than 800 people died in alcohol-related crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period, making it one of the deadliest holidays on U.S. roadways.
Speeding: Thanksgiving drivers may be in a hurry going to and from their destinations. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), speeding was a factor in 26 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2018, killing approximately 25 people per day.
The following safety tips can help reduce the chances of being in a Thanksgiving car accident:
Those involved in a car accident during the Thanksgiving holiday should seek medical attention as soon as possible. They may be eligible to recover damages above what the insurance company is willing to offer them by filing a personal injury claim. Laws on this vary by state, so it is important to seek the counsel of an experienced car accident lawyer.
If you were involved in a car accident during the Thanksgiving holiday, the Washington DC car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. Kingwill fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call us today at 202-331-1963 or contact us online for a free consultation. Our offices are located in Washington, DC, where we proudly serve clients throughout Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.
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