holiday driving

Published on: September 19, 2023

Threat of Drunk Driving Auto Accidents Looms Over Labor Day

Statistics from last year show that Labor Day was the second deadliest holiday in the United States in 2022, and this year, with the incidence of drunk driving on the rise, the risk of alcohol – related car accidents has never been higher.

Last year, one study by a car insurance app found that the Labor Day Holiday weekend ranked second only to the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in the number of fatal car accidents recorded. The study analyzed data between 2011 and 2020, and found that the Labor Day holiday was the second most dangerous holiday in the country. Over the study period, the data showed that more than 4000 people were killed in car accidents over Labor Day, many of them caused by drunk drivers. Approximately, 25% of deaths involved teens and young people in their mid 20s. About 70% of this category of drivers were male. The second most at- risk category of drivers during the Labor Day holiday were drivers between the age of 26 and 35.

Drunk driving is likely fueling this increase in car accident deaths. Recent data shows that driving under the influence of alcohol is actually on the increase across the country. Between 2020 and 2021, there was an increase of approximately 14% in fatal alcohol – related car accidents. Overall, there was an increase of approximately 10% in car accident deaths during the same period of time. Clearly, the role of alcohol in causing car accidents is increasing, and this is a cause of concern.

Published on: December 6, 2013

Georgia State Agencies Urge Safe Travel over Holidays

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

The year’s busiest travel season has begun, and a number of Georgia state agencies are joining hands to educate motorists about the need to drive safely during the holidays. The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and the Georgia State Patrol are encouraging motorists to avoid speeding and distractions, and concentrate on getting to their destination safely.

Just before Thanksgiving and New Year’s day, we see the heaviest amount of traffic on GA roadways.Not surprisingly, the accident, injury and fatality rate is also very high during these weeks. Every year, the Georgia State Patrol calls attention to the need to reduce speed, eliminate distractions at the wheel, and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These three factors account for a majority of all traffic accident fatalities that occur during the holiday season.

It is important to remember that many motorists over the holiday season are in a hurry to finish their shopping, meet up with friends, and take part in other activities. Many of these motorists will be driving at excessive speeds, and even if you don’t plan to drive at high speeds, know that there will be many speeding motorists on the road this holiday season. While you can’t do anything to change other motorists’ driving habits, you can increase your chances of being safe and reduce the risk of a fatal accident by making sure that you and everybody else in your car is safely buckled-up.

Published on: October 29, 2010

Halloween Safety Tips to Prevent Georgia Pedestrian Accidents

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

Children in Georgia, who are out trick-or-treating on Halloween, have an increased risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident.According to the NHTSA, more than 4,000 children between 5 and 14 are injured every year in pedestrian accidents on Halloween.

Both parents and motorists have a big role to play in keeping children safe over Halloween by preventing pedestrian accidents.If your child is trick-or-treating on Halloween, make sure that there’s an escort with the children at all times.Explain all traffic safety rules to your child.Avoid dressing up a child in large and cumbersome costumes that can pose a potential slip and fall hazard.The costumes must be simple, but as colorful as possible.Bright colors can help a driver see your child in the dark.If that’s not possible, stick some reflective tape on the costume.Try and avoid masks and large hats as much as possible.These may obstruct your child’s vision, and he may fail to notice an approaching car.Facial makeup can easily substitute for a mask. Children must also avoid trick-or-treating in unlit or busy areas.

Motorists can do their bit by being aware that there are hundreds of children out there for whom safety might be a low priority. Unless it is it absolutely essential, avoid driving on Halloween night.If you have to drive, make sure that you are extra focused and alert.Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol, and switch off all distractions while driving.That includes your music system, your GPS navigation system and your cell phones and Blackberry/iPhones.Look out especially hard for children at crowded intersections or near crosswalks.Watch out for children who may suddenly dart into the road.

Published on: November 19, 2009

Georgia Kicks Off Holiday Seatbelt Enforcement Campaign

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

Thanksgiving season is upon us, and it’s time for the Turkey, the family get together, and the need for greater care while driving around Georgia.

The year’s biggest holiday is also its deadliest. Accident rates spike during the 102-hour period, killing and injuring several motorists and passengers. Anticipating massive holiday travel, Georgia officials have kicked off the “Click it or Ticket” campaign. The seatbelt enforcement campaign began on Monday, and will last through the holiday weekend. There will be severe patrols, and officers will stop vehicles to check for seatbelt usage.Enforcement will go on during the day and night.

Last year, 19 people died in Georgia during the Thanksgiving weekend, and 1,457 people were injured in a total of 3,815 accidents. According to the Governor‘s Office of Highway Safety, 136 lives could have been saved last year only if the victims had remembered to wear seatbelts.