Travel is a fundamental part of the holidays and many Louisianans are likely to have events to attend, family to visit and shopping to do. Given the increased traffic and tendency for people to be frazzled and hurried, the foundation is in place for an uptick in auto accidents.
This is a challenge across the United States, but in Louisiana, one road is known for its statistical increase in crashes with injury and death during the holidays.
Recent research emphasized this and drivers who are heading out should be cognizant of it. They should also be wary of potential risks for the rest of the holiday season through the new year.
Louisiana has the second-worst Thanksgiving fatality numbers
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Louisiana is the second-worst state in the nation for fatal accidents during Thanksgiving week. The only state ahead of it is Mississippi. During the holiday week, Interstate 10 in Ascension Parish was seventh worst in the United States from 2006 through 2020.
The NHTSA categorizes Thanksgiving week as 6 p.m. starting the Wednesday before the holiday through sunrise Monday morning.
In general, Thanksgiving is known as a time when auto accidents spike. A separate study by an insurance comparison website found that it was the worst of all holidays for road deaths. Younger people from 16 to 25 were the most vulnerable. Sixty percent of the accidents were found to be due to speeding or drivers who had consumed alcohol.
People may need help after motor vehicle accidents
Those who were on the road for what was meant to be a happy occasion could have their lives radically changed by car and truck accidents.
In some cases, people are under the impression that they escaped serious harm only to feel pain and its aftereffects days and even weeks later. For those who have lost a loved one, the obstacles they will face are immediately clear.
For help with deciding how to move forward after an auto accident, it is important to have experienced advice from professionals who have been in the Louisiana area for a long time, know the roads, the residents and the legal system.
Medical expenses, lost time at work and a dramatically altered life are all potential issues after a collision. For compassionate and trustworthy guidance, it is wise to seek assistance immediately to think about the options.