Many Connecticut residents spend Thanksgiving with their loved ones. Often, this includes travel on the nation’s highways. However, the danger of being in a car accident increases significantly over holiday weekends. Connecticut drivers need to be aware of this so that they can stay safe on the road.
As they travel, drivers should be aware of the impact the weather might have on their safety. USA Today says that many drivers prefer not to be on the road in inclement weather, resulting in fewer collisions on these days. Clear skies and good driving conditions tend to bring more travelers out. This increase of cars means that drivers have a higher chance of being in a crash. Thanksgiving car accidents do not necessarily result in a higher number of fatalities. Alcohol may be one of the reasons behind this. Drivers are less likely to get behind the wheel after a few drinks on holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Travel during the holiday season is not the only time that drivers should be alert on the road. According to Time magazine, while accidents are high on the days drivers are traveling to their destinations, Black Friday also sees its fair share of collisions. This annual shopping day saw 34 percent more collisions than any other day of Thanksgiving weekend, according to a 2015 study. Many Black Friday accidents result from parking and backing out of spaces.
Although many travelers may want to leave for home on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, they are often safer when they leave on either Saturday or Monday. Saturday usually sees fewer car accidents, while Monday travel in 2015 experienced collision rates that were 37 percent lower than those of Sunday.
