What to Expect on the Roads this Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving has become notorious for being one of the deadliest holidays in terms of car accidents. In fact, the National Safety Council estimates that nearly 12 percent of all fatal car crashes that occurred in November last year took place over the Thanksgiving holiday. Alarmingly, this percentage doesn’t account for non-fatal accidents that occur on Thanksgiving, of which there are an estimated 50,000 every year. While the number of motorists on the road may prove to be lower this year, travelers are still at risk of injury, as many states have reported an increase in the number of serious accidents during the pandemic.

Car accidents can take a significant physical and emotional toll on victims. Fortunately, it is possible for those who have been injured in collisions to recover compensation for related losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering, so if you were recently hurt in a car crash, it is important to reach out to an experienced Halifax County, VA car accident lawyer for help.

Why is Thanksgiving so Dangerous for Motorists?

During most years, the higher rate of collisions on Thanksgiving can usually be attributed to the fact that there are more cars on the road, with people traveling to and from family members’ homes. Often, these collisions result in only minor injuries, especially when the crash occurs during the day and in traffic, as these types of collisions tend to happen at lower speeds. As the day goes on, however, the likelihood that these collisions will have more serious results increases, a trend that is primarily attributable to the fact that traffic often thins at these times, leaving drivers to travel at higher speeds. Furthermore, drivers traveling during the evening and nighttime hours are much more likely to have ingested alcohol, especially on holiday events like Thanksgiving.

Will This Year be Different?

There may be fewer cars on the road this year due to COVID-19 and social distancing restrictions, which could potentially lower the number of car accidents on the holiday. However, the risk of fatal car accidents may actually be higher, due largely to the fact that with the lack of congestion, more drivers are able to travel at higher speeds. This has generally proven to be true even on non-holiday dates. In fact, earlier this year, the National Safety Council revealed that while there were less cars on the road because of COVID-19, drivers were not actually seeing the benefit of less roadway traffic. Instead, driving was proving to be even more lethal than usual. For example, according to the NSC’s data, there was nearly a 37 percent jump in fatality rates in April, despite the fact that the actual number of miles driven by motorists dropped 40 percent from the past year.

This increase in fatal car accidents (in spite of the decreased number of cars on the road) has largely been attributed to the fact that with fewer cars on the road, those who do drive have shown a tendency to speed, which in turn can result in more dangerous injuries. This trend will likely stay the same through the holidays, although there may also be a slight uptick in traffic across the state.

An Experienced Halifax County Car Accident Lawyer

Unfortunately, even those who use the greatest level of care when driving could end up injured in an accident on Thanksgiving. It is, however, possible for these individuals to recover compensation for related losses if they can prove that someone else’s negligence was the cause of their crash. To speak with a dedicated attorney about recovering compensation for your own collision, please call Herbert E. Maxey, Jr. at 434-969-4873 today.