GET HELP NOW 229-396-5845
2024 Motor Vehicle Accidents

Deaths in South Georgia Over Labor Day Highlight Dangers of Holiday Travel

Labor Day is firmly in the rear-view mirror, which means that the busy holiday travel season is looming in the distance. Unfortunately, motor vehicle accidents in South Georgia over the Labor Day weekend took the lives of at least four people who will not get to spend the season with their family and friends. In Lowndes County, two were killed when a westbound vehicle crossed over the center line and struck their eastbound vehicle. In Grady County, a single-car wreck killed a man when his vehicle left the road and overturned, ejecting him. And in Cook County, a woman was killed when her vehicle became engulfed in flames after being struck from the rear. 

These tragic accidents highlight the dangers of travel on busy holiday weekends, as well as the need for caution when taking to the roads in the coming months. If you have been injured in a car accident, a Tifton car accident attorney can help you recover. 

Tips for Safe Driving During Busy Travel Seasons 

Put Your Phone Down 

At this point, most are familiar with the risks associated with distracted driving, but it bears repeating: One of the best ways to avoid getting into an accident is to keep your focus on the road, which includes staying off your phone. Taking your eyes off the road for even five seconds while traveling 55 miles per hour is the equivalent of driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. Using a smartphone while driving is also illegal under Georgia’s hands-free law

Stay Alert 

Travel during busy holidays often requires driving at odd hours, especially late at night or early in the morning (if traveling on a long trip). Driving under these conditions is risky not only because it is visibly darker but also because drivers are more likely to be tired at those times. If you’re traveling at odd hours, make sure to stay alert. If you can’t stay alert, pull over and rest until you can, or, better yet, avoid late night and early morning travel altogether. 

Don’t Drink and Drive

If you plan on drinking at a social gathering, don’t drive. Even though you may think you’re fine to drive, buzzed driving is still drunk driving and can lead to arrests — and worse. Your best bet for getting around when you are inebriated is to hail an Uber, Lyft, or taxicab. 

Brush Up on Your Defensive Driving Skills

Peak travel season is also peak reckless driving season. Be on the lookout for aggressive, intoxicated, or angry drivers and brush up on your defensive driving skills so that you will know what to do if a sticky situation arises. 

Seek Compensation for Your Injuries With Help From a Tifton Car Accident Attorney 

If you’ve been injured by a negligent driver, regardless of whether it was during a holiday season, you should consider speaking to an attorney to evaluate your options. To get started, please contact a Tifton car accident attorney at the Hudson Injury Firm by calling 229-396-5848 or using our online form.