Tips for Staying Safe on the Roads During Thanksgiving Travels

 Posted on November 13,2019 in Driving Safety

Although we rarely think about it, driving is one of the most dangerous activities people do on a regular basis. An estimated 32,000 people lose their lives in car accidents every year in the U.S and thousands more are injured. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, people are starting to make holiday travel plans. During the holiday season, there are even more vehicles than normal on the road, so it is critical to be vigilant. Keep yourself and your family as safe as possible by following these holiday travel safety tips.

Car Accidents Spike Around Thanksgiving

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 750 fatal car crashes and almost 50,000 non-fatal motor vehicle accidents during Thanksgiving 2012. Every year, traffic accidents spike during the winter holiday season. Many of these accidents are caused by drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or who are too sleepy to drive. 

In order to have the best chances of an accident-free holiday, keep the following tips in mind:

• Plan your route ahead of time. Make sure you know where you are going and how to get there. Check the weather forecast and road conditions in advance. Knowing what to expect will help you prepare for a safe journey.
• Maintain your vehicle properly. Check for worn brake pads, break fluid leaks, problems with electrical systems, damaged wiper blades, broken lights, under inflated tires, and other issues before leaving.
• Keep children occupied so they do not distract you. While we often think of cell phones as the main distractor during road trips, data shows that child passengers can be up to 12 times more distracting than phones are.
• Always have an emergency road kit. In the event of an accident, you may want to have an extra cell phone charger, flares, water, a blanket, and other emergency items at the ready.
• Take breaks if you feel sleepy. Fatigued drivers are one of the leading causes of traffic accidents. If you are too sleepy to drive safely during your holiday travels, pull over and rest.
• Travel earlier in the day if possible. Many accidents, especially accidents caused by drunk drivers, happen in the evening or night. You can decrease your chances of being involved in a crash by traveling in the morning or during daylight hours.

Contact a Lake County Car Accident Attorney

Everyone at Salvi & Maher, L.L.C. wishes you and your family a safe Thanksgiving holiday. If you are involved in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence in the course of your travels, we can help you pursue compensation. Speak with an experienced Waukegan personal injury attorney by calling our office at 847-662-3303. We offer free consultations, and we do not charge any fees unless you collect compensation.

Sources:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/make-it-table-dont-drink-and-drive-thanksgiving-eve

https://www.forbes.com/sites/dandiamond/2014/11/26/the-u-s-death-rate-spikes-on-thanksgiving-heres-why/

https://www.medicaldaily.com/kids-cars-12-times-more-distracting-drivers-talking-cell-phones-263995