Are Car Accidents More Common on Thanksgiving Weekend in Colorado?

 Posted on November 30, 2020 in Car Accident

Thanksgiving weekend is often a time for celebration and family togetherness. However, it also tends to be a period of increased risk of getting in a car accident. Although not as many people may have been traveling for Thanksgiving this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was likely still greater traffic than normal. It is important that you are aware of how another driver’s negligence can affect you and your family’s safety on the roads. In the event of a collision, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you seek compensation for your damages.

The Risks of Thanksgiving Driving

Thanksgiving weekend driving in Colorado can be risky for a number of reasons, including:

• More travelers on the road: In a typical year, large numbers of families in Colorado and throughout the United States drive to a Thanksgiving gathering. Many Colorado ski resorts also have an opening day near the end of November, creating another reason for increased holiday weekend travel.

• Alcohol impairment: Alcohol is a common element in many Thanksgiving celebrations, and unfortunately, too many people choose to drive while they are intoxicated. The Colorado Department of Transportation reports that out of the five fatal accidents in the 2018 Thanksgiving travel period, four of them involved alcohol.

• Driver fatigue: The drowsy effects of a large Thanksgiving meal are much discussed, and long drives on or after Thanksgiving can increase the risks of driver fatigue, affecting alertness and reaction time.

• Weather conditions: Late November is well within Colorado’s snow season, and in the event of a Thanksgiving snowstorm, the risk of a car crash only increases. Roads can be icy and slick, which can cause a driver to lose control of his or her vehicle, especially in mountainous terrain. 

Responding to a Thanksgiving Car Crash

Often, the best way to enjoy an accident-free holiday weekend is to take your own safety precautions. This year, many people chose to forgo their travel plans entirely, but if you did choose to travel, maybe you did so during the day and considered alternating drivers to help prevent driver fatigue. In addition, you should always be sure your car is ready for winter driving so that you are prepared if you are caught in a storm, and avoid driving while intoxicated at all costs.

If you do get into an accident, you should know that you have options to pursue compensation for any injuries you suffer. Even though a lawsuit may be the last thing you want to think about during a holiday weekend, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible so that you can start building your case for another driver’s negligence and begin the process of obtaining the compensation you deserve.

Contact a Fort Collins Car Accident Attorney

The accomplished legal team at Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. hopes everyone had a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving, but rest assured that we are here to help if you or your loved ones were injured in a car accident while traveling. Call us today at 970-225-2190 to request a free consultation with our skilled and compassionate Larimer County personal injury lawyers.

Sources:

https://www.autoinsurance.org/deadliest-holidays-to-drive/

https://www.valuepenguin.com/most-dangerous-holidays-drive

https://www.codot.gov/news/2019/november/give-thanks-for-sober-drivers-2014-thanksgiving-dui-enforcement-begins-friday