Thanksgiving Season Car Accident Spike
Irony can be cruel. For example, the holidays are meant to be the happiest time of the year, yet accidents occur the most during the holidays . The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that in 2012 there were 764 fatal car crashes during Thanksgiving. Of those 764 fatal car accidents, 40% passenger fatalities involved a drunk driver. 60% of passengers involved in fatal car accidents were not wearing a seat belt. That means that these tragic accidents are preventable. An article in Forbes stated that an estimated 50,000 non-fatal accidents occurred during Thanksgiving holiday in 2012.
Danger Driving Days
One of the reasons why the holidays can be so dangerous is due to the fact that more people are likely to travel to be with friends and family. That carries over to the possibility that people are more likely to celebrate by drinking alcohol and driving home after a Thanksgiving meal. DUI rates are at their highest between Thanksgiving and New Year’s weekend because of these reasons. If you are planning on traveling by car over the holidays be extra cautions of other vehicles. Be proactive if you plan on drinking by having an Uber, Taxi, ride or designated driver to get you hope safe.
San Antonio Roads during Thanksgiving
Even San Antonio isn’t safe from the dangerous of holiday driving. KSAT stated that 517 car crashes were reported in the city of San Antonio during the 2014 Thanksgiving holiday. That same year, SAPD made 111 DWI arrests the night before Thanksgiving, which is known as “Black Wednesday” for being one of the most dangerous nights to drive.
Every year, Texas Highway Patrol enforces its efforts to stop motorists from fatal mistakes during the holiday season. In 2014, Texas Troopers issued over 5,000 speeding tickets, and arrested 242 for DWI. This year they plan on being out patrolling the highways of Texas on the lookout for distracted or intoxicated drivers.
Having an increase in law enforcement during the holiday season is great, but one should still practice defensive driving habits. Remember, you may be a safe and confident driver but you never know what condition the driver in the next lane may be in.
Jeff is Here 4 You!
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident Jeff is here for you! Davis Law Firm is here 24/7 to answer your call. Our team of legal representatives offer free consultations at no risk to you. Don’t let the carelessness of others affect your holiday season, contact us today! From all of us at Davis Law Firm we would like to wish you happy holidays!