NHTSA on Thanksgiving 2021 Roadway Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is gearing up to get the word out about roadway safety for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The Thanksgiving holiday weekend is one of the busiest travel times of the whole year, and unfortunately, that also means there is a spike in injury causing and fatal crashes. Add celebrations with alcohol or drugs in the mix and you’ve got a recipe for potentially dangerous roadways.   

This year, the NHTSA is focusing on a couple of really important safety campaigns for the holiday weekend. In addition to shining a light on the dangerous new trend of “Blackout Wednesday,” they will be also publicizing their anti-drunk driving campaign. Finally, they will be reminding all motorists to Click It or Ticket! 

Thanksgiving Holiday Crash Facts  

  • From 2015 to 2019, there were 135 drivers involved in fatal crashes on Thanksgiving Eve who were alcohol impaired.  
  • Over the entire holiday weekends during that time period, nearly 800 people were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes.
  • During the 2019 Thanksgiving holiday period, more than four times as many drivers involved in fatal crashes were alcohol-impaired during nighttime hours than during the day.
  • Approximately one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the U.S. involve drunk drivers.
  • In 2019, one person was killed every 52 minutes by a drunk-driving crash in the U.S.   

Staying Safe During The Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend 

When it comes to staying safe during the upcoming holiday weekend and all year long, make sure you make a commitment to distraction-free sober driving. Buzzed driving is drunk driving too, and even one drink can be one drink too many. If you’ve been celebrating with alcohol or taking any type of drug that could impact your driving, whether illegal or legally prescribed or purchased, make sure you find a safe ride home. It’s not worth risking your life or the lives of others. Finally, make sure to buckle up for every trip.  

The team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. wishes everybody a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving holiday, and if you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a car accident caused by a dangerous or distracted driver in San Diego or anywhere in Southern California, contact our office at 1.800.GO.HARRIS for a free case consultation today.