It is not surprising to have so many public service announcements and media reports imploring safety on Georgia’s highways this weekend. After all, people will be travelling in earnest this weekend to celebrate Memorial Day. Most see it as the first summer holiday, and AAA expects nearly 40 million people across the United States to travel, with a majority doing so by car.
While drivers should be mindful of semi-trucks, it is not as likely that a trucking accident will occur over the holiday weekend. One might believe so given how many more cars will be on the road, coupled with the increased potential for drunk driving and distracted driving.
However, weekends are not the most dangerous times for truck accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, most truck accidents occur during the work week. The most notorious day appears to be Tuesday, when more freight is transferred from one point to another. Further, rush hour traffic is not necessarily a factor in truck accidents. Rather, it is when there is free flowing traffic that drivers are most vulnerable. The highest percentage of accidents occurred between noon and 3:00 p.m.
While the dangers may not be the same over the holiday weekend, truck drivers must still use reasonable care while behind the wheel. If a driver fails to use such care and an accident is a direct result of it, the driver (and perhaps the trucking company) can be held liable for the ensuing injuries and property damage.
If you have questions about your legal rights and options after a truck accident, an experienced personal injury attorney can advise you.
