Holiday Travel Accidents in Georgia - Staying Safe on the Roads
More cars, more parties, and more tired drivers. How to plan a safer holiday trip, and what to do if another driver hurts you.
Holiday travel accidents in Georgia go up when more cars crowd the roads. During the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday period, the Georgia State Patrol investigated 684 crashes with 349 injuries and 17 deaths. Common causes are impaired driving, distracted driving, speed, and tired drivers. You can stay safe by planning ahead, leaving early, and buckling up. If another driver hurts you, Georgia law lets you seek compensation.
⚡ QUICK SUMMARY
AAA projected about 73 million people would drive for Thanksgiving 2025, nearly 90 percent of holiday travelers. In Georgia's 102-hour Thanksgiving travel period in 2024, troopers investigated 684 crashes , 349 injuries , and 17 deaths , and arrested 474 impaired drivers . Georgia's Hands-Free Act bans holding a phone while driving. Injury claims usually must be filed within two years .
The car is packed. The kids are in the back. You are heading down U.S. 78 to visit family, and so is everyone else. Traffic stops and starts. Someone is weaving and looking at a phone. The holidays should be about loved ones and good food. One careless driver can turn the trip into a hospital stay.
Wells and McElwee, P.C. is a personal injury law firm in Athens, Georgia. We help people hurt in car accidents across Athens-Clarke County and Northeast Georgia. You can meet our attorneys before you call.
How Common Are Holiday Travel Accidents in Georgia?
Holiday weekends bring heavy traffic. More drivers means more chances for a car crash. AAA's 2025 Thanksgiving travel forecast projected about 73 million people would travel by car. That was nearly 90 percent of holiday travelers.
684 crashes
investigated by the Georgia State Patrol during the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday period, with 349 injuries and 17 traffic deaths statewide
Georgia Department of Public Safety, 2025 Thanksgiving News Release(2025)
The numbers change each year. The Georgia Department of Public Safety reported 12 fatalities in 11 fatal crashes during the 2025 Thanksgiving period. Each of those traffic deaths was a family that lost its holiday. The holiday season runs from Thanksgiving to New Year's. So the risk lasts for weeks.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Holiday Car Accidents?
Most holiday car accidents come from choices drivers make. These are the common causes we see:
Impaired Driving
Holiday parties mean drinking alcohol. Georgia troopers arrested 474 impaired drivers over the 2024 Thanksgiving period alone.
Distracted Driving
Maps, texts, and calls pull eyes off the road. Distracted drivers cause rear-end crashes in holiday rush traffic.
Speed and Aggressive Drivers
People in a hurry speed, tailgate, and weave between lanes to beat traffic.
Tired Drivers
Long distances, early mornings, and late drives home on Sunday lead to drowsy driving.
Weather conditions matter too. Rain, fog, and early darkness in November make it harder to see brake lights ahead. Snow is rare in Athens, but it can happen on trips north.
Why Are the Holidays So Dangerous for Drivers?
The holidays put more cars on the road at the same time. Many drivers are on routes they do not know. Some are driving long distances after a full day of work. Others have been drinking at a party. Put these together, and the risk goes up.
More Cars
Busy roads mean more stops and starts. That leads to more rear-end crashes.
Alcohol
Holiday parties mean more drinking. Drinking alcohol slows your reaction time and dulls your judgment.
Rushing
People speed to beat traffic or make it home for dinner. Speed makes a crash worse.
Safety on the road is a shared job. Slow down. Leave extra space. Keep both hands on the wheel. Holiday driving is safer when every driver does their part.
How Can You Plan Ahead for Safe Holiday Travel?
A few precautionary measures before you leave can help you stay safe on the road.
- Check your car - look at tire pressure, lights, brake lights, and wiper blades before a long trip.
- Pack emergency supplies - a phone charger, flashlight, first aid kit, and jumper cables.
- Avoid peak travel times - AAA and the Georgia DPS list the worst times as midday and afternoon on the busiest days. Leave in the morning if you can.
- Choose alternate routes - check traffic before you go. Loop 10 and Highway 316 back up fast on game days and holidays.
- Buckle everyone up - seat belts save lives. Georgia law requires children under 8 to ride in a proper car seat or booster seat.
- Share your travel plans - tell friends or family your route and when you expect to arrive.
💡 Pro Tip
Set your map and music before you put the car in drive. Georgia's Hands-Free Act means you cannot hold your phone while driving. A phone mount and a set route keep your hands on the wheel.
Hurt in a Holiday Car Crash?
We can explain your rights, deal with the insurance company, and help you focus on healing. The consultation is free.
Get Your Free Case ReviewHow Can You Stay Safe From Thanksgiving to New Year's?
The holidays do not end after Thanksgiving. Christmas and New Year's bring more parties and more driving. Many of the same risks come back each holiday.
Thanksgiving
The biggest driving holiday for many families. Leave early on Wednesday and watch for heavy traffic on Sunday.
Christmas
Shopping trips fill parking lots and roads near malls. Drive slowly and watch for people walking.
New Year's Eve
Late night driving and alcohol are a dangerous mix. Plan a safe ride home before the party.
Driving during the holidays takes extra care. Take breaks every two hours on long trips. Switch drivers if you feel tired. Put the phone away. These simple steps help you and your loved ones stay safe all season.
How Do You Avoid Impaired Drivers During the Holidays?
You cannot control other drivers. You can lower your risk.
Never Drive After Drinking
Plan a sober driver, a taxi, or a rideshare before the party starts.
Stay Off the Road Late at Night
Late night hours after parties can bring more impaired drivers onto the road.
Watch for Warning Signs
Weaving, sudden braking, and drifting across lanes can mean a driver is under the influence. Keep your distance and call 911 when safe.
If a drunk driver hurts you, you may have a claim against that driver. Learn more about drunk driving accident claims.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident on a Holiday Trip?
A car crash far from home is stressful. These steps help protect your health and your claim:
- Call 911 - get help for anyone hurt and ask for police to make a report.
- Take photos - get the cars, the road, and the other driver's plate and insurance card.
- Get witness names - ask for phone numbers before people leave.
- See a doctor - serious injuries do not always hurt right away.
- Be careful what you say - do not guess about fault with the other driver or their insurer.
Georgia is an at fault state, and comparative fault can cut your recovery. Crashes in holiday traffic often involve several cars. Read about liability in multi-vehicle accidents in Georgia. Most injury claims must be filed within two years under O.C.G.A. 9-3-33.
Holiday Travel Questions Georgia Drivers Ask
When is holiday travel most dangerous?
Busy travel days like the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after bring the most traffic. Late nights around holiday parties bring more impaired drivers.
Can I file a claim if the crash happened in another state?
Often, yes. The rules may be different. Talk with a lawyer about where and how to file.
What if the driver who hit me was a family member?
Claims are usually paid by insurance, not the driver's own pocket. A lawyer can explain your options. Results vary.
Do I need to pay a lawyer up front?
No. Our consultation is free, and there is no fee unless we win your case.
Injured in a Holiday Travel Accident?
Schedule Your Free ConsultationNo fees unless we win your case. Call 706-543-8596 or contact us online. Wells and McElwee, P.C., Athens, Georgia. This article is general information, not legal advice for your situation. Every case is different and results vary.
