As Thanksgiving approaches, motorists will be setting out on Georgia roads to travel out of state, visit loved ones nearby, or even to head to the store for a last-minute Thanksgiving dinner necessity. Regardless of why you journey, we want to ensure that Georgia motorists are prepared for the unusual road conditions that can arise during the holiday season. Read on to ensure that you stay safe and arrive at your Thanksgiving festivities ready to spend quality time with your loved ones.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reminds us that during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in 2022, there were 326 people killed in traffic crashes — 43 percent were unbuckled. Regardless of the time of year, motorists should always wear a seatbelt and ensure all passengers have theirs on, too. Remember, taking an extra second to double-check can save a life.
Thanksgiving is a time of celebration for many, which sometimes includes alcohol. If you are planning to attend an event with alcohol, or consume alcohol yourself, it’s critical to be vigilant and ensure that neither you nor anyone around you attempts to operate a vehicle after consuming alcohol. Buzzed driving is drunk driving and should be treated with equal caution. The NHTSA reports that in 2022, 100 drivers were involved in fatal traffic crashes on Thanksgiving Eve — 35 percent of those drivers were drunk. Keep these tips in mind as we enter into the holiday season to help ensure that you and everyone around you stays safe so they can enjoy their downtime.