Thanksgiving Day Motor Vehicle Accidents In Louisiana: Tips To Avoid Them

Thanksgiving Day is the time of the year when families and friends gather, enjoy a delicious feast, and give thanks. However, for many Americans, Thanksgiving and travel go hand in hand. 

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), 55.4 million travelers will head fifty miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. 

During holidays in the country, traffic deaths increase by thirty percent compared with non-holiday periods. 

Thanksgiving is the most dangerous of all holidays to be on the roadways. Between the Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving and the Sunday night ending the weekend, tens of thousands of Americans suffer injuries, and hundreds lose their lives in motor vehicle accidents.

Causes Of Motor Vehicle Accidents During The Thanksgiving Holidays 

Reasons for motor vehicle accidents during the Thanksgiving holidays include:

Road Congestion

Due to road trips, last-minute holiday shopping, and outdoor events, more cars are on the roads during the Thanksgiving holidays. Naturally, with more cars on the roads, there is an increased chance of automobile collisions.

Drunk Driving

Many motorists during holidays are going to or returning from parties. Being drunk makes drivers drive erratically and tends to slow their responses. 

During the Thanksgiving Day period, over thirty-five percent of fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver.

Alcohol impairs judgment and the ability to pay attention, slowing reaction time.

Speeding

Speeding accounts for twenty-eight percent of fatal accidents on Thanksgiving.

There is an increase in drivers speeding and running red lights during the long Thanksgiving Day weekend. Drivers become more aggressive and impatient, trying to avoid traffic delays.

Stress

Holidays can be stressful as Louisianans are on the roads to buy gifts, decorations, and other necessities. Crowded stores and traffic jams can cause stress, leading to negligent driving.

Fatigue

Many drivers need more sleep due to the excitement of activities during Thanksgiving. Others embark on long journeys to reach their destinations, often starting early in the morning or traveling late into the night, leading to drowsy driving. When one is tired, it is more difficult to focus on the road, resulting in delayed reaction time to avoid an accident. 

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

During the Thanksgiving holidays, many individuals tend to save for the holidays and ignore spending on maintenance and repairs of their vehicles.

The above reasons hardly matter to you when you are hurt and need extensive medical treatment that costs far more than you have in savings. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a motor vehicle accident this Thanksgiving anywhere in Louisiana, do not hesitate to seek the help of an experienced Louisiana car accident lawyer at Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers. The compassionate attorneys at our Louisiana personal injury law firm understand how a crash ruins your holidays and sets you back at work.

Tips For Safe Traveling During The Thanksgiving Holidays 

To ensure a safe Thanksgiving Day holiday period for you and your loved ones, you should be prepared and take the necessary precautions. Here are some valuable tips to help you stay safe on Louisiana roads: 

· Plan your travel ahead of time. Check the weather forecast, map out your route, and consider alternate routes. Leave early to allow for unexpected delays and give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.

· Before you drive, check the oil and put air in the tires. 

· Make sure you are well-rested. Avoid driving if you haven’t had enough sleep or are feeling tired.

· Drive distraction-free by putting away your cell phone. Distractions while driving can be hazardous, especially during heavy traffic periods. Avoid using your cell phone, eating, or engaging in activities that take your eyes off the road. If you need to use your phone for navigation, use a hands-free device or pull over to a safe location.

· Do not exceed the speed limit and pay attention to pedestrians and other road users.

· Practice defensive driving techniques. Stay alert, maintain a safe following distance, and anticipate other drivers’ actions. Be patient and avoid aggressive behaviors such as tailgating or excessive speeding.

· Designate a sober driver or arrange alternative transportation if you plan to drink.

· Always wear a seat belt while driving. 

· Protect vulnerable passengers and check the manufacturer’s instructions before installing a child’s safety seat.

· Understand your vehicle’s safety systems.

· Take an alternative path and consider leaving the car at home if traveling a short distance.

By following the above tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday with your loved ones. 

Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers: Louisiana Personal Injury Law Firm You Can Depend On, Anytime

The last thing you want is to spend the Thanksgiving day holidays in a hospital recovering from severe injuries. While Thanksgiving brings joy and happiness, it also brings extra dangers and risks. Unfortunately, thousands of Americans spend their Thanksgiving holidays recovering from a motor vehicle accident every year. 

In complex, confusing, or complicated situations like auto accidents, individuals desperately seek the guidance of a well-prepared and reliable attorney. 

At Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers, we believe an excellent personal injury attorney has the potential to have a positive impact on the life of a client. By securing fair financial compensation after an accident, our law firm advocates for people during some of the most challenging times in their lives. 

As a law firm, we are truly blessed to be able to help others during a time of need.

Lastly, the Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers staff and attorneys would like to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and happiness. While our firm will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, you can still contact us with emergencies by email or phone. Our firm will get back to you as quickly as possible.

You can complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a Louisiana personal injury lawyer.