While Thanksgiving is one of the most enjoyable holidays of the year, it also is one of the busiest, as thousands of people across the U.S. travel to celebrate with friends and family. In fact, AAA projects that 48.7 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this Thanksgiving, an increase of one million travelers compared with last year.
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest and deadliest times to be on the road. Families travel across the country and kids come home from college. Many motorists will navigate unfamiliar roads, drive at night in order to reach their destination, or have a few drinks before getting behind the wheel. Impaired vision and driver fatigue are two dangerous factors that are often lead to collisions. In some parts of the country the holiday may coincide with wintry weather conditions.
Lawsuit Financial encourages its readers that will be traveling near or far this Thanksgiving holiday to remember these few safety tips.
- Buckle up! While this may seem like common sense to most drivers, a surprising number of fatalities occur simply because the occupant was not wearing a seat belt.
- Do not drink and drive. The NHTSA estimates that a staggering 40% of all traffic fatalities over Thanksgiving weekend are caused by drunk drivers.
- Avoid distractions. Put down the cell phone and other electronic devices while behind the wheel.
- Allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
- Avoid driving while drowsy or fatigued. Most car accidents occur early in the morning (3:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.) or late at night (10:00 p.m. to midnight). Be sure to take breaks every 100 miles or have someone else drive.
- Check the weather forecasts and the road conditions before you leave home. If bad weather or unsafe road conditions are expected, consider changing your travel plans.
- Drive defensively. Even if you are driving carefully, not everyone else. Put as much space between you and other drivers as possible. Make yourself as-visible-as-possible to other vehicles by turning on your headlights and cleaning any snow/ice from your vehicle.
Lawsuit Financial wishes all its readers a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
