Holiday Travel: Top Causes of Thanksgiving Car Wrecks
Happy early Thanksgiving from all of us. Each year, families across the state hit the road to spend time with loved ones. What should be a cheerful trip can turn tense when traffic thickens and fatigue sets in.
Last Thanksgiving, authorities reported hundreds of crashes and several lives lost across Georgia. Those reports remind us how quickly a celebration can turn into heartbreak. Our goal is simple, helping you and your family reach your destination safely.
The “Big Three” Dangers of the Long Drive
Fatigued Driving
Many travelers skip rest to get an early start or drive late into the night after work. Lack of sleep slows reaction times and affects judgment much like alcohol does. Pulling over for a nap or sharing the wheel can prevent disaster.
Speeding and Impatience
Crowded roads and long waits can test anyone’s patience. Once traffic clears, some drivers try to make up for lost time. Higher speeds reduce reaction time and increase the force of impact when something goes wrong.
Distracted Driving
Holiday travel often means juggling too many things at once. GPS adjustments, calls to relatives, and kids in the backseat can all steal attention from the road. Each year, hundreds of drivers are cited for distracted driving during this travel period, a clear warning to keep focus where it matters most.
The Holiday Gathering Risk: Impaired Driving
The “Blackout Wednesday” Problem
The night before Thanksgiving, often called Drinksgiving, tends to bring a sharp rise in alcohol-related wrecks. Across the country, a large portion of fatal crashes on Thanksgiving Day involve alcohol use.
State patrol officers arrest hundreds of impaired drivers every holiday week, and each case represents a preventable tragedy. Having a sober driver or arranging a rideshare ahead of time is one of the simplest ways to stay safe.
A Checklist for a Safer Family Road Trip
Before You Go:
- Check your tires, brakes, oil, and wipers.
- Get a full night’s rest before setting out.
On the Road:
- Stop regularly to stretch and recharge.
- Switch drivers when possible.
- Set up your directions and music before starting the car.
- Ask a passenger to handle texts or calls.
At Your Gathering:
- If alcohol is part of the plan, arrange a safe ride home in advance.
What to Do After a Wreck Far From Home
Being hurt away from home adds stress to an already painful event. Maybe you live in Georgia and were hit in Florida, or you’re from Tennessee and got into an accident in Atlanta.
In most cases, the state where the crash happened controls the claim. If you’re injured in Georgia, your personal injury case will likely need to be filed in a Georgia court, even if you live elsewhere.
At Morain & Buckelew, we’re licensed here in Georgia and know the state’s traffic laws, insurance rules, and court systems. We can handle your Georgia claim while you focus on recovering. If you’re a Georgian injured out-of-state, we can connect you with qualified local counsel there.
Wishing You Safe Travels This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving should be about sharing stories, laughter, and gratitude, not roadside emergencies. A few simple choices can keep your trip peaceful and your loved ones safe.
We wish you a warm, joyful, and safe Thanksgiving holiday.