Why Is Thanksgiving Weekend So Dangerous in Regard to Road Travel?

Thanksgiving may be just one day, but many Americans take time off before Turkey Day to prepare for it, and still others skip work after to spend more time with family. Although it should be a joyous holiday, the fact that so many people spend the week driving to and from love ones has caused Thanksgiving to become one of the deadliest days of the year for road travel.

In simplest terms, more vehicles on the roads mean more opportunities for accidents. The exact statistics vary from year to year, but USA TODAY reports that between 2001 and 2007, more than 500 people died annually in crashes on the holiday, and tens of thousands sustained nonfatal injuries.

Of course, congestion is just one of the reasons for these harrowing statistics. Other serious dangers like drowsy drivers and intoxicated motorists are also prevalent on the roads over Thanksgiving weekend.

If you were hurt in a collision with a reckless or drunk driver and you want to hold the liable party accountable, contact the Cooper Law Firm. Attorney N. Eric Cooper will assess the circumstances of the accident to help you determine the most strategic way to proceed. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free case evaluation with a personal injury attorney in Tyler.

Read on to learn about some of the more common dangers you can expect to find on the roads on Thanksgiving weekend

1. Foul Weather

The weather in Texas may be fairly temperate this time of year, but if you plan on traveling out of state, you need to be prepared to drive through foul weather. Depending on where you’re headed, you may run into rain, ice, snow, sleet, or fog.

2. Fatigued Motorists

People who hit the road after a long day at work are not only risking their own lives but also the lives and safety of everyone around them. Those who plan on driving a long distance without taking adequate breaks are also at risk of drowsy driving, which can be just as dangerous as drunk driving.

3. Drunk Drivers

A lot of people use the holidays to relax, which for many means enjoying a few cocktails alongside their turkey and pumpkin pie. There is nothing wrong with having a drink with dinner, but when individuals fail to recognize their limits and get behind the wheel while impaired, they run the risk of causing a potentially fatal collision.

4. Other Collisions

It is common for motorists passing a collision to turn and look at the wreckage. This is called “rubbernecking,” and it increases the risk of subsequent accidents occurring at or near a crash site. Motor vehicle collisions can also cause heavy traffic, which is a road hazard of its own.

If you were hurt in a car accident that was not your fault, contact the Cooper Law Firm to determine if you have grounds for a claim. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free consultation with an accident lawyer in Tyler. You can learn more about accident claims in Texas by visiting USAttorneys.