Facts About Thanksgiving And Car Crashes

According to researchers, Connecticut residents might be safer staying home on Thanksgiving. While November marks the beginning of the cold weather and flu season in most places throughout the U.S., Thanksgiving is also the country’s deadliest day to travel.

According to information provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 764 fatal motor vehicle accidents and 50,000 non-fatal crashes occurred on Thanksgiving in 2012. Additional information from the NHTSA revealed that for that same year, 654 fatal car crashes took place on Christmas, 370 on New Year’s Day, 341 on Memorial Day, and 169 on Independence Day. Due to the increased road risks, the NHTSA has issued a warning to motorists to keep safe this upcoming Thanksgiving.

For many of the fatal wrecks that happened on Thanksgiving of 2012, lives may have been saved if drivers would have taken a few basic safety precautions. For example, the NHTSA found that nearly 60 percent of motorists who died weren’t wearing their safety belts.

The NHTSA noted that drivers should take plenty of time to drive to their destinations and avoid rushing and speeding on roadways. They also warned drivers to check road conditions, traffic and weather prior to driving. Further, drivers should make sure that their tires are sufficiently inflated and windshield wipers are properly operating.

Those who suffer catastrophic injuries after being involved in a serious car crash on Connecticut’s roadways might consider filing a claim for compensation. If the driver suspected of causing the accident was speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or texting while driving, the injured party may be able to hold that driver liable for damages.