For some individuals who reside in the state of Georgia, the Thanksgiving holiday is a favorite. With its focus on things people are thankful for, the extended weekend many receive in observance of it provides plenty of time for those who live out of town to travel to be with loved ones. Whether driving to a location far away or staying closer to home, the increase in the number of vehicles on the road could lead to more car accidents occurring. This year it was expected that the number of Georgians who were travelling by car was up by 7.14 percent as compared to the previous year. That is the equivalent of approximately 80,000 additional travelers.
Preliminary statistics regarding the number of automobile accidents that occurred on Georgia roads are in and where fatal accidents are concerned the news is not good. More people died in traffic related accidents this year than in 2013. More specifically, this year, 19 people died over the long weekend. Specifics surrounding those incidents are not yet available. It is likely that there are a variety of reasons behind the crashes.
Since some of the gatherings held over the Thanksgiving holiday inevitably involve the consumption of alcohol, drunk driving is likely to blame for some of the incidents. When people get behind the wheel of their car to drive following one of these social outings, the outcome can be disastrous. They may injure not only themselves, but others they share the road with as well.
When a fatal car accident is the result of the negligence of another driver, whether due to drunk driving or other negligent behaviors, a lawsuit seeking damages from the responsible party may be filed.
Source: Albany Herald, “Nineteen die on Georgia roadways during Thanksgiving weekend,” Jennifer Parks, Dec. 1, 2014