Thanksgiving is a time for Turkey and family. For many families, it’s also a time for travel as you visit family and friends. With Thanksgiving weekend being one of the busiest times of year on the road, it also tends to lead to an increase in the rate of auto accidents. Learn more about what causes this increase, and what you can do to keep your family safe.
Thanksgiving Day Traffic Statistics
An estimated 50.6 million Americans travel over the Thanksgiving holiday. Some of these trips will be short, less than an hour or two from home. Others may require that you load the family up and spend a few hours on the road. If you plan to travel this Thanksgiving holiday, it’s important to do a few things to ensure your and your family’s safety.
Thanksgiving Driving Safety Tips
With more cars on the road, it’s important to focus on a few driving safety tips this year:
- Plan your drive ahead of time: Some days and times are busier than others. Additionally, if the weather is bad, it can make the roads even more dangerous. Check the weather before leaving, and plan your route ahead of time. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving tends to be the busiest day.
- Drive defensively: Driving defensively means being alert at all times and responding to others’ behaviors.
- Take a lot of breaks: Taking breaks may mean that you reach your destination later, but it can help to keep you safe. Know when to pull over if you’re feeling fatigued.
- Know the state’s laws: State driving laws may change from state to state, so if you’re crossing state lines, make sure you brush up on the laws of where you plan to visit.
- Avoid drinking and driving: Drinking alcohol reduces your reaction time, which can be dangerous when navigating busy roads.
- Pack an emergency roadside kit: An emergency roadside kit may not prevent you from being in an auto accident, but it can help you deal with one.
- Use live-feed driving apps: Live-feed navigation apps use real-time information to help you avoid busy roads or accidents.
- Schedule maintenance before you leave: Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition before leaving.
A road trip requires preparation. It requires an understanding of the most common causes of Thanksgiving-related car accidents. With this knowledge, you can take the steps necessary to keep your family safe.
Know What to Do If You’re in a Car Accident
Despite taking certain safety precautions, it’s not always possible to avoid all auto accidents. It is important, however, to know what to do if you’re involved in one. Make sure you have access to your information, including your vehicle’s registration, insurance information, medical records, and health insurance cards.
Always report an accident, regardless of its severity, to the local police. This creates a police report, which may be necessary to deal with the consequences.
Contact an Atlantic City Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to an accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at The Law Offices of Richard A. Stoloff represent clients injured because of an accident in Atlantic City, Hamilton, Ventnor City, Galloway Township, and throughout New Jersey. Call (609) 601-2233 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 605 New Road, Linwood, NJ 08221, as well as an office in Philadelphia, PA.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.