Driving To See Loved Ones This Thanksgiving? Take Precautions To Reduce Atlanta Car Accident Risks
Thanksgiving is a time for food, family, and fun, but getting to the festivities could prove challenging. Staffing issues at airports increased the chances of flights being cancelled or delayed.
Driving is an option, but be aware of the risks. Car accidents in Atlanta are common over Thanksgiving, and the injuries they cause can ruin your entire holiday season. Whether you are headed across town or across the state, our Atlanta car accident lawyer encourages you to make safety a top priority.
Why Car Accidents In Atlanta Spike Over Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year. The American Automobile Association (AAA) reports that nearly six million people flew to see family and friends over the holiday in 2024. That number was due to increase this year, but the government shutdown put a damper on many people’s plans.
Air traffic controllers aren’t paid during the shutdown and are increasingly calling off. According to a November 7, 2025, Fox 5 Atlanta news report, this has prompted a flurry of flight delays and cancellations. Rather than taking any chances, some who would usually fly are taking road trips instead.
Vehicle congestion is already a problem on I-75, I-85, I-20, and the Downtown Connector, and crashes and collisions happen regularly. In addition to increased traffic, factors that make car accidents in Atlanta more common over the holiday include:
- Drowsy driving due to long work shifts, late nights, or extended travel.
- Drunk driving due to holiday parties or family gatherings.
- Speeding in an effort to meet up with friends or reach family festivities.
- Distracted driving due to GPS apps, phone calls, and texts.
- Tailgating, sudden lane changes, and other aggressive driving behavior.
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) warns that Thanksgiving weekend traditionally sees a spike not only in crashes but in traffic fatalities. If you plan on being on the road, be aware of the risks.
How to Reduce Atlanta Car Accident Risks Over The Thanksgiving Holiday
Preparing ahead of time can help reduce your risks on the road. To protect yourself and your passengers over the holiday, follow these tips:
- Plan travel in advance and avoid peak congestion times, such as Wednesday evening and the day after Thanksgiving.
- Get enough rest the night before your trip to prevent drowsy driving.
- If driving long distances, take breaks every few hours.
- Regardless of how far you drive, make sure your car is road-ready.
- Avoid speeding, tailgating, and other reckless driving behavior.
Taking the above precautions and practicing safe driving behavior can help reduce the risk of car accidents in Atlanta throughout the holiday season.
When Injuries Happen, Contact Our Experienced Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer
Thanksgiving car accidents are common throughout Georgia and can cause devastating harm. Shiver Hamilton Campbell provides the trusted legal representation you need to get compensation.
We help injured victims in Atlanta and throughout Gwinnett, DeKalb, and Fulton Counties. Protect your rights in an injury claim. Contact our experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer and request a consultation today.
Sources:
newsroom.aaa.com/2024/11/nearly-80-million-americans-expected-to-travel-over-thanksgiving/
fox5atlanta.com/news/tracking-delays-cancellations-atlanta-airport-faa-reductions-begin
dps.georgia.gov/thanksgiving-traffic-holiday-period
