Impaired Driving Truck Accidents In Atlanta Increase Over The Holidays
The holiday season brings heavier traffic and a dangerous increase in impaired driving crashes across Georgia. Commercial truck drivers are at high risk. In addition to alcohol, extreme fatigue from driving long hours, illegal substances, and even certain over-the-counter medications can dull reaction times and make Atlanta truck accidents more likely to happen at this time of year.
As experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers, we see firsthand the devastating harm impaired driving crashes can cause. Find out more about the risks and how to protect yourself on the road over the holiday season.
Why Impaired Truck Driving Accidents In Atlanta Increase During the Holidays
During the holidays, truckers face intense pressure to carry larger loads and meet tight delivery deadlines. Unfortunately, it is also the time of year when they are most likely to engage in reckless behavior, such as driving while impaired. Common causes of truck driver impairment that increase Atlanta truck accident risks over the holidays include:
- Extreme fatigue from violating federal hours-of-service regulations and disrupted sleep schedules.
- Alcohol consumption during off-duty hours.
- Illegal drug use.
- Misuse of prescription medications.
- Using over-the-counter cold, allergy, or sleep medications.
Commercial drivers are subject to strict federal safety regulations, including mandatory drug and alcohol testing under Department of Transportation rules. Whether impairments occur due to violating these rules or other causes, motorists have the right to hold them accountable when truck accidents in Atlanta result.
How to Protect Against Impaired Driving Truck Accidents in Atlanta Over The Holidays
With increased truck traffic on I-285, I-75, I-20, and GA-400 during the holidays, even minor impairments increase the risk of multi-vehicle crashes. If you’re driving in Georgia during the holidays, especially near major freight corridors, take extra precautions:
- Be aware of heightened risks at night, on holidays, and over weekends.
- Avoid getting behind the wheel if you have any amount of alcohol or drugs in your system or suffer from other impairments.
- Give truckers plenty of space on the road and avoid tailgating or driving in truck blind spots.
- Be alert for signs of impairment, such as weaving in and out of lanes or sudden stops.
If you suspect a trucker is impaired, pull over and notify law enforcement. If you are injured in an Atlanta truck accident, inform the police immediately and get prompt medical care. Under the Georgia Code, you have the right to hold those at fault accountable for property damages, medical bills, and other losses you suffer.
Injured by an Impaired Truck Driver in Georgia? Contact Our Experienced Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers
Impaired driving is common over the holidays and increases the risk of truck accidents in Atlanta. Shiver Hamilton Campbell provides the trusted, experienced legal representation you need to hold those at fault accountable.
Our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers protect the rights of clients throughout the area, including Savannah, St. Simons Island, Alpharetta, Decatur, Johns Creek, Marietta, Roswell, Jonesboro, and all of DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett Counties. To get the compensation you need to recover, contact us today and request a consultation.
Sources:
fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/drug-alcohol-testing-program
georgiacourts.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Apportionment-of-Damages-Terry.pdf
