Thanksgiving is celebrated amongst family and other loved ones. It is common for people to travel, especially by car, on or before the holiday to attend gatherings. This includes millions of drivers. Holidays do not make motorists immune from car accidents. To keep Thanksgiving a joyous occasion, drive with the following safety tips in mind.
Get Enough Rest
The ideal hour to be on the road will vary by itinerary, travel distance, traffic, and other factors. No matter the motorist or their circumstances, it is best to drive when well-rested. Drowsy driving is as dangerous as driving while drunk. Aim to have a full night’s sleep before starting out for the day. If a post-Thanksgiving feast stomach is making you sleepy, take a nap before heading out.
Prepare Ahead of Time
Make sure you and all of your passengers have their seat belts fastened and properly worn. If there will be children in the car, ensure they have the correct restraints for their sizes and ages.
Make Sure Your Car Is in Good Condition
It is also important to keep up with your car’s maintenance. Check your tires’ pressure and treads. Fill your gas tank before leaving, and pay attention to your fuel gauge as you drive.
Bring emergency tools such as a spare tire, jack, jumper cables, and so on in case anything happens on the road. An additional kit with non-perishable food, water, first aid, flares, and blankets may also be helpful.
Do Not Drink and Drive
Even on holidays, impaired driving is always dangerous. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that almost 800 people died in drunk driving crashes on Thanksgiving weekends between 2015 and 2019. If you want to enjoy alcohol during the holiday weekend, try to drink at home rather than traveling. For those who need to be on the road, utilize a designated driver. If such a driver is unavailable, use alternate means of transportation, like busses or ridesharing services.
Avoid Distractions
It is crucial that motorists keep their eyes, ears, and mind focused on driving. While keeping a fully charged cellphone is useful in case of emergency, do not use it while driving. The CDC describes reading a text while traveling at 55 miles per hour is the equivalent of driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. If you must use your phone, pull over first.
Other forms of distracted driving include eating, playing with the radio, and adjusting the mirror. Save as many of these activities as possible for before or after your trip. Ask passengers for assistance if you need to perform another task.
Egg Harbor Township Car Accident Lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm Advocate for Clients Who Have Been Injured in Thanksgiving Car Accidents
Remember to drive safely this Thanksgiving. However, even if you do everything right, you cannot control other motorists. If you become injured in a Thanksgiving car accident, speak with one of our Egg Harbor Township car accident lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm. Call us at 609-926-3300 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients in South Jersey, including Atlantic City, Linwood, Galloway Township, Cape May, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Ocean City, and Woodbury.