You might not think of Thanksgiving as a dangerous time, but last Thanksgiving, 11 people lost their lives in automobile accidents in Georgia. Over the Thanksgiving weekend, which begins at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Eve and ends at 11:59 the Sunday after Thanksgiving, Georgia State Troopers responded to 556 automobile accidents. Aside from the 12 fatalities, 214 people were injured in the crashes. McCurley’s Shell explains some reasons behind these statistics.
1. Driving While Intoxicated
Unfortunately, people drive while intoxicated even though they know they shouldn’t. With the familial and football celebrations in full swing over the weekend, drunk driving increases, and, as such, so do automobile accidents. In fact, in 2019, Georgia State Troopers arrested 325 people for DUIs. Be safe and don’t drive on the days in which you consume alcohol, even just a few beers.
2. Driving When Exhausted
It’s hard not to drive while you’re tired over the long holiday weekend, but tired driving can be as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. Make sure you only take the wheel if you’ve slept well and are refreshed. For those who plan to travel long distances, take plenty of breaks along the way and swap drivers to keep alert eyes on the road. Don’t push yourself when you’re exhausted.
3. Too Much Traffic
Thanksgiving weekend traffic is unheard of at any other time of the year. Millions of cars hit the roads on Wednesday and hit them again on Sunday to head home. Driving defensively is key to prevent getting into an accident. Don’t stress – no matter how hard – when you’re stuck in traffic. Keep an eye on the drivers around you and move away from those who get too close for comfort.
4. Breaking Down
Finally, part of what causes all of the above is vehicle breakdown. People hop in their cars for the weekend travel without having their vehicles inspected first for potential problems. Blowouts cause automobile accidents, and stalled cars in traffic can slow you down for hours. Make sure to have your vehicle checked before you leave to ensure you won’t have car trouble on the trip.
Drive carefully and don’t take chances with speed or traffic laws, either. Another statistic from last year is that authorities issued 11,735 citations to Thanksgiving weekend drivers. Contact McCurley’s Shell in Atlanta, GA, now to schedule preventative maintenance for your car, truck, or utility vehicle. We’ll make sure your vehicle is reliable and safe to drive to help you avoid getting into a Thanksgiving accident.