We recently wrote about an unsettling phenomenon that occurred last year in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. The roads were much emptier due to so many people staying at home, but the empty roads seemingly encouraged those who were driving to do so recklessly. Across the country, citations for “super speeding” went way up, as did traffic accidents and fatalities.
The same types of statistics were reported here in Georgia. And unfortunately, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the recent holiday season continued the trend.
A deadly Christmas weekend
Between 6:00 p.m. on Christmas and midnight on the following Sunday (the 27th), there were 20 traffic accident fatalities statewide. Law enforcement agencies say that several of those accidents involved drugs and alcohol, based on evidence found at the scene.
Georgia State Patrol also reported issuing thousands of citations and making hundreds of arrests during the same holiday period. These included:
- 173 arrests for drunk driving
- 4,347 citations for speeding
- 344 citations for distracted driving
The days surrounding major holidays are traditionally associated with an increase in traffic accidents, impaired driving and more vigilant law enforcement. But 2020 numbers seem especially problematic.
Were you injured over the holidays?
If you were seriously harmed or a loved one was killed in a holiday traffic accident caused by another person’s negligence or poor decisions, you may be able to hold that driver accountable and seek the compensation you need and deserve. To better understand all your legal options, please discuss your case with an experienced personal injury attorney today.