We’re approaching a particularly deadly time of year when there are more than the usual number of DUI arrests and alcohol-related accidents. Not coincidentally, it’s also a time of increased travel by families and individuals who will be heading home for the upcoming Thanksgiving holidays.
The night before Thanksgiving has been dubbed “Black Wednesday” because it is thought to be the busiest nights for bars of the entire year. Black Wednesday eclipses even New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day with alcohol sales volumes.
Combined with the higher numbers of travelers on the road, the two statistics combined can be a tragic recipe for disaster.
Federal traffic statistics indicate that the fatality rates from drunk driving accidents increase significantly over the holiday season. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in one recent decade, there were on average 572 highway deaths over the Thanksgiving holiday. That distinction made it the most lethal four-day holiday in the United States.
Of the aforementioned deaths, 36 percent of the fatalities were related to alcohol consumption, or an average of 51 each day. The National Safety Commission (NSC) stated that other causative issues like drowsy driving and speeding also contribute to the uptick in traffic fatalities.
This holiday season, we don’t want you to become another statistic. We urge you to exercise caution when you take to the highway this Thanksgiving. Allow plenty of time to get to your destination and begin your journey well-rested and sober.
Should you get involved in an accident, you may need to file a claim for compensation. We can help you get the most value for your claim and assure that your rights are protected.
