We’re halfway through November already, and families all over Southern California are making plans to celebrate Thanksgiving. From eclectic “Friendsgiving” groups to traditional family units, now is the time to gather together in gratitude for all that we have.
But for many folks, the annual Turkey Day is but a prelude to Black Friday, a day dedicated to bargain hunters near and far. Unfortunately, the autumn holidays can create dangerous conditions for drivers everywhere.
Danger begins on Thanksgiving Eve
If the term “Blackout Wednesday” is unfamiliar to you, that is the unfortunate nickname given to the night before Thanksgiving. It is considered to be one of the busiest nights of drinking in the year.
Part of that stems from the holiday’s nature, as people return to hearth and home (and all that entails). Both family hijinks and dysfunction can be triggers for people to imbibe alcohol and wreak havoc if they drive. Students home from college meet up with their old high school crowds and drinks flow freely. It can be a treacherous time for all those traveling the highways and freeways.
Thanksgiving is a drinking holiday
There are drinks before the meal and wine with dinner, and then guests may linger over pie and Irish coffee before heading out on the highway with a buzz. That’s a Thanksgiving recipe for disaster.
Black Friday brings road rage
Even the day after is unsafe. On Black Friday, hangovers and road rage can create a toxic confrontation between motorists. Give aggressive drivers a wide berth and don’t engage or respond to stay safer.
If you get injured in a holiday crash
Make sure to get immediate medical evaluation and treatment, as not all injuries are readily apparent, e.g., traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and internal bleeding, but still may be fatal. Learning more about California’s personal injury laws after an auto accident is a wise idea.