How to Travel Safely for Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is known as one of the most dangerous times to drive. Between the prevalence of drunk drivers on the road who have celebrated the holiday with alcohol and the congestion on the highways, there is an elevated risk of a serious car accident. According to the National Safety Council, roughly 400 to 600 people lose their lives on the roads during the Thanksgiving weekend each year. For each traffic accident fatality, there are numerous other serious injuries that may change the course of the life of the victim. Here is what you need to know about how to travel safely on Thanksgiving weekend.

Drive Defensively at All Times

You can never control the actions of other drivers around you on the road. In fact, you have to expect the unexpected, as the driver in close proximity to you could be drunk or simply distracted. You should never drive aggressively yourself at any time, but certainly on Thanksgiving weekend. You should scan your surroundings for drivers who are being reckless and try to avoid them if possible. Defensive driving also means traveling at the speed limit so you are better prepared to deal with any challenges that would suddenly arise in your vicinity. Defensive driving also means leaving adequate space between you and other drivers when possible.

Never Consume Alcohol and Drive

The night before Thanksgiving is known as “Blackout Wednesday.” Drivers may also get behind the wheel at other times during the weekends after they have consumed alcohol. Even driving after one drink can be dangerous. Always have a designated driver who can take the wheel if you cannot. You need to have all of your wits and reflexes about you and not put other motorists in danger.

Plan a Reasonable Travel Schedule

You can anticipate that there will be heavy traffic at certain periods on Thanksgiving weekend. The Wednesday before the holiday and the Sunday afterward are the busiest times on the roads. You may not be able to control exactly when you travel, but you should try to avoid the most congested if possible. If you have to travel during those times, make sure to allow plenty of time to reach your destination, considering the fact that you will encounter delays on the road. Never put yourself in a position where you would have to speed or be reckless to reach your destination in time.

Get Enough Rest Before Driving

If you drive at any time of the day, and in particular at night, you need adequate rest before you get behind the wheel. You may be on the road late at night to try to avoid some of the heavy traffic, but you need to make sure that you have slept first. Fatigued driving can be every bit as dangerous as drunk driving. Your reflexes may not be what they should be, and you may not be able to respond to hazards in time. Even worse, you can risk falling asleep behind the wheel.

Make Sure That Your Car Is Properly Maintained

Car maintenance issues can pop up at any moment when you are on the road. For example, your brakes can fail, or a tire may blow out, potentially causing a serious accident. If you are traveling any distance on the Thanksgiving weekend, make sure to check out your car before you get on the road and ensure that it is properly maintained.

If you have been injured in any type of accident on Thanksgiving weekend, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation when you can prove that someone else was to blame for the accident. First, you need to contact an experienced car accident attorney to review your case.

Contact the Manasquan Car Accident Lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC Today

The Manasquan car accident lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC can lead the fight to get you the compensation that you deserve if you have been injured in a crash caused by another driver. To schedule a free initial consultation with one of our attorneys, just fill out our online form or call us at 732-920-8383. We have offices in Manasquan and Brick, New Jersey, and we serve clients in Middlesex County, Atlantic County, Mercer County, Monmouth County, and Ocean County.