Record numbers of motorists are expected to throng Georgia highways this Thanksgiving, and traffic enforcement agencies are warning of a higher risk of auto accidents. This is true with all holidays, but especially with holidays that result in extended days off for many workers. All holidays of this nature see a spike in the number of car accidents and, unfortunately, wrongful deaths.
This year, authorities are gearing up for a significant increase in the number of motorists on Georgia’s roads and highways. Across the metro Atlanta region and beyond, families will be traveling to meet up with friends and relatives as they celebrate the holiday under more normal circumstances. Over the past three years, roadway travel over the Thanksgiving holiday dropped significantly. This year, however, the story is markedly different. Authorities believe that there is likely to be an increase of approximately 26,000 motorists on Georgia roads over the Thanksgiving holiday compared to the same period of time last year.
Not only is Thanksgiving a time when people typically travel, but this year the crowds are expected to be even more intense since this is the first holiday since the pandemic that conditions are expected to be relatively normal. Georgians, in general, are traveling much more than they were during the pandemic, and vehicle miles traveled have increased significantly.
While it is good news that life is going back to normal, the fact is that poor driving habits like speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol which have been on the rise are likely to make their presence felt even more strongly over the Thanksgiving holiday. Last year, 20 people were killed in car accidents on the Thanksgiving holiday. This year, the expectation is that the number will be even higher, taking into account the larger number of motorists. Most of last year’s deaths were linked to driving under the influence of alcohol and speeding. Those factors are definitely likely to be front and center this year as well. Add to this the larger numbers of motorists, and you have perfect conditions for car accident situations.
Across the country, authorities are bracing for large numbers of motorists over the holiday and more than 54 million Americans are expected to travel on the Thanksgiving holiday in 2022. Of these, more than 1.6 million tourists are expected to travel across Georgia to celebrate.
One thing you can do to reduce your risk of an auto accident over Thanksgiving is to set out early if you plan to drive. While congestion is expected to be higher than normal, there is likely to be less traffic in the early morning and late evening hours. Also, when you leave yourself plenty of time, you do not feel rushed, lowering your chance of an auto accident significantly.
The Atlanta car crash attorneys at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers are dedicated to the representation of persons injured in car accidents in the metro Atlanta region and across Georgia. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a car accident, talk to a lawyer at our firm and determine if you have legal options to a claim for damages. You may be eligible for compensation that includes medical expenses, lost income and other types of damages. Talk to an attorney at our firm and discuss your case.