Stone Mountain Oktoberfest

Located just 12 miles from downtown Atlanta, Stone Mountain Village is a quaint community nestled into a granite outcropping. Dating back to 1812, it boasts turn-of-the-century architecture and lively entertainment, including charming restaurants and shops. To spice up your fall, every Saturday from September 25 this year to October 23, Stone Mountain Village is hosting its annual Oktoberfest, and you’re not only invited but are also not going to want to miss it.

The Lineup

For your enjoyment, this year’s Oktoberfest features all the following (and more):

• Brats, pretzels, and other delicious German offerings
• Bier gardens 
• Giant Jenga and other games for the whole family
• Historic hayrides 
• Art happenings 
• Live German music and lively folk dancers

Along with all the festivities, Stone Mountain Oktoberfest boasts free admission and free parking.

Staying Safe Out There

With all the fun and good times, there are safety concerns to keep in mind. 

Drunk Drivers

While motorists are well aware that drinking and driving is immensely dangerous, there is something about a bier garden and festival atmosphere that can do a number on revelers’ common sense. The fact is that impaired drivers are some of the most dangerous out there, and when you combine this risk factor with throngs of people, it can spell real trouble. Consider the following statistics shared by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• In the United States, a life is lost to drunk driving every 45 minutes, which translates to 32 people every day. 
• In 2020 alone, there were 11,654 alcohol-related traffic fatalities.
• 2020 saw a 14 percent increase in alcohol-related traffic deaths over 2019. 

Other Forms of Driver Negligence

Oktoberfest is closely associated with bier that flows like water, but drunk drivers aren’t the only driving concern. When there is a lot going on, such as at a festival, there are plenty of distractions, and distracted driving is dangerous driving. NHTSA reports that, in 2020 alone, 3,142 people lost their lives to distracted motorists. 

There are other dangerous forms of driver negligence to consider when it comes to the Stone Mountain Oktoberfest, including:

• When large numbers of people flood a small area in bursts, it can create some dicey driving situations, and it’s not unusual to see aggression come out behind the wheel. Aggressive drivers take dangerous driving to new heights. 
• Spending the day eating, drinking, and being merry can be exhausting, which increases the chance that you will encounter drowsy drivers.
• When you add all the elements of a festival together and factor in that a large percentage of the guests are not familiar with the area, some erratic – and, therefore, dangerous – driving can be expected. 

Inadequate Security

People flock to celebrations like Octoberfest, and where people congregate, there tend to be more opportunities for the criminal element to make their move. When festival security is inadequate, it can lead to significant losses and challenging scenarios. 

Slip and Falls Accidents

Stone Mountain Village expands considerably – in terms of number of people – during Oktoberfest, and keeping up with safety concerns, such as slipping and tripping hazards, may not receive the attention it should. Sometimes, these dangerous accidents are caused by poorly maintained walkways, entrances, and sidewalks, but at other times, they are a matter of factors such as the following:

• Spills that are left unattended
• Walkways made slippery by moisture and debris 
• Crowded walkways
• Walkways with encroaching hazards, such as displays and attractions that spill over onto them
• Inadequate lighting

The dangers associated with slip and fall accidents are all too real. Consider the following statistics reported by the National Floor Safety Institute:

• Falls are the leading cause of emergency room visits in the United States, and slip and fall accidents account for a full 12 percent of such visits, which number over 8 million.
• More than 2 million fall accidents that cause injuries directly involve floors and flooring.
• 22 percent of slip and fall accidents lead to time off the job that exceeds 31 days. 

Slip and fall accidents are a real concern at festivals like Stone Mountain Oktoberfest.

Reach Out to an Experienced Atlanta Personal Injury Attorney for the Help You Need Today

Stone Mountain Oktoberfest has something fun and exciting for everyone, but if you’re injured by someone else’s negligence during the course of your excursion, it’s a very different matter. The skilled Atlanta personal injury attorneys at Spaulding Injury Law focus their impressive practice on helping injured clients like you obtain the compensation necessary to fully recover for their physical, financial, and emotional losses, and we’re here for you, too. 

Case evaluations are always free with no obligation, so you have nothing to lose by learning about your legal rights. We are on your side, so please don’t hesitate to contact or call us at 770-744-0890 for more information today

Theodore Spaulding

When you become our client at Spaulding Injury Law, you’ll be represented by a thoroughly experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney like Theodore A. Spaulding. For over 15 years, Mr. Spaulding has helped victims of negligence across the state of Georgia resolve personal injury cases, and he’s received a remarkable number of awards and honors from the legal community recognizing his commitment to clients and to the metro-Atlanta area.

•  Mr. Spaulding has been named one of the Top 100 trial lawyers in Georgia by the National Trial Lawyers for six successive years.
• He is honored as a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum ® by the Top Trial Lawyers in America ®.
• Charter Member of the Distinguished Justice Advocates.
• Member of the Atlanta Bar Association.