Why Does the Rate of Car Accidents Spike During Thanksgiving?

November 19, 2020

Most of the United States, including the state of New Jersey, will notice an increase in car accidents during the Thanksgiving holiday. What contributes to this increase? How can you drive safely to avoid a holiday accident?

Factors That Contribute to Thanksgiving Accidents

These are just a few of the factors that contribute to a larger number of car accidents during Thanksgiving, and on other holidays:

• Fatigued driving: Drivers tend to travel more over the holidays to visit with their families. They may continue driving even when tired, leading to overly fatigued driving.
• Drinking and driving: Many Thanksgiving celebrations include the consumption of alcohol. Even if you are not over the limit, it can lead to slower reaction times and even an accident.
• Lack of familiarity with the roads: Driving to visit family members in a new location can lead to driver distractions. This can also cause accidents.
• Poor weather: Thanksgiving weekend is often accompanied by winter weather, which can make driving more dangerous. Slippery roads and icy conditions can cause accidents.

Additionally, there are likely to be more drivers on the road, as people make their way to their holiday celebrations. Parents may be driving with children, which can also increase distractions. Each of these things combined can pose a dangerous risk during Thanksgiving.

Ways to Prevent a Thanksgiving Accident

Fortunately, there are things that you can do to prevent a Thanksgiving accident, including:

• Maintain a safe speed limit: Maintaining a safe speed limit can help you better adjust to unknown roads. Lower speeds can help with reaction times and also avoiding accidents.
• Avoid drinking and driving: While New Jersey’s legal limit may be 0.08%, you can still be arrested for an amount under that. Additionally, drinking while on unfamiliar roads can also increase risk.
• Avoid distractions: Avoid distractions when driving. Put your phone in the glove compartment and be sure to pull over if you need anything in the back.
• Make alternative plans: If winter weather comes early and the roads get bad, it may be better to make alternative plans.
• Complete vehicle maintenance: Preventative maintenance will not only help you during winter driving, but it will also ensure your vehicle runs smoothly.
• Take breaks: If you are driving for a long period of time, plan breaks ahead of time. You can also share the driving responsibilities with another adult driver to prevent driver fatigue. If you both get too tired, pull off the side of the road.

Taking these precautions can help you avoid a costly, and dangerous, car accident this Thanksgiving. It is best to plan ahead to ensure safe travels.

Read more: New Study Finds that Distracted Driving is the Leading Cause of Fatalities in New Jersey

What to Do If You’re in a Car Accident This Thanksgiving

Even when following these precautions, it is still possible to be in a car accident. If you find yourself dealing with a car accident this Thanksgiving, reach out to a New Jersey car accident lawyer, who will ensure that your legal rights are protected. We will help you determine who is at fault, while also helping you collect any compensation that you may need to recover from the accident.

Read more: Will My Personal Injury Case Go To Trial?

Contact a Rockaway Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Hoyt & Hoyt, PC represent clients injured because of a car accident in Rockaway, Morris Township, Woodbridge, Perth Amboy, and throughout New Jersey. Call (973) 292-2299 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 67 East Park Place, 5th Floor, Morristown, NJ 07960, as well as an office in New Brunswick, NJ.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.