According to AAA, the American Auto Association, last Thanksgiving season we saw more than 48 million Americans on the road traveling by car. This number has been steadily increasing over the years, with the 2019 holiday season projected to be just as many, if not more people out on the roads. The Thanksgiving holiday travel period usually ranges from the Tuesday before Thanksgiving to the Monday after, with many large cities seeing the worst traffic on the Tuesday or Wednesday before the holiday. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is predicting around 450 deadly auto accidents occurring on the roads at this time.
Many factors can contribute to these numbers besides the number of people on the roads; changing weather patterns, daylight savings time, and alcohol consumption all contribute to the severity of these accidents. At Spector Injury & Accident Lawyers, we want you to feel safe during your Thanksgiving holiday. That’s why our team of professionals has developed a list of smart tips to ensure you get to your destination accident-free this season.
SPECTOR LAW ACCIDENT PREVENTION TIPS
- Drive sober – if you plan to drive, make sure you drive sober. In the past 7 years, at least 800 alcohol-related deaths have occurred during the Thanksgiving holiday.
- Travel earlier in the day – traffic tends to increase during the evening hours so if you’re able to schedule your travel plans for earlier in the day, you’ll hit less traffic and feel a bit safer with fewer cars on the road.
- Make sure your car is in good condition for travel – before setting out, make sure you have a full tank of gas and your windshield wiper fluid is full.
- Be a responsible host – if you’re hosting this year, ensure everyone leaves with a designated driver.
- Utilize ridesharing services – public transportation, taxis, and ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft can get you home safely.
- Wear seatbelts – ensure all passengers are wearing their seatbelts correctly.
- Don’t rush – the holidays are a time for relaxing! Don’t jeopardize the safety of you or your family by making poor decisions while driving.
- Avoid distractions – whether it’s texting, talking on the phone, or any other in-vehicle technologies, and avoid using them while driving.
- Be prepared for inclement weather – if the weather is especially bad outside and you’re able to delay your trip home, do so. If you must leave, let others know your planned route home and the estimated time of arrival. Frequently check in with friends and family at rest stops if your trip is long.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel days of the year. While we understand that every auto accident can’t be avoided, we hope by sharing these tips the severity of an unexpected crash can be drastically reduced.
If you find yourself the victim of an auto accident, know who to call. Contact our personal injury lawyers at Spector Injury & Accident Lawyers immediately to ensure you receive the necessary compensation you deserve! Our highly trained attorneys will put their experience to work for you, ensuring you receive any lost wages involving your damaged vehicle or medical bills. We don’t get paid unless you win so trust the Spector Injury & Accident Lawyers!
