Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, which means that millions of cars and families will be on the road. It is estimated that over 42 million Americans will be traveling at least 50 miles this Thanksgiving holiday, with over 39 million people traveling by car; that is 11 percent more than last year. If you or someone you know will be traveling this Thanksgiving, there are some safety measures you should take.
Tips to Stay Safe this Thanksgiving
- Make sure your vehicle is in good condition. Performing a simple maintenance check can prevent problems that have the potential of leaving you stranded on the side of the road. Check your vehicle’s wipers and washer fluid, check the tire pressure, and fill up your gas tank.
- Do not rush and stick to the speed limit. This goes for all times of the year, but with the increase in traffic during the Thanksgiving holiday, it is important to drive defensively, use extra caution, and stick to the speed limit.
- Check the weather report. It is important to avoid driving in hazardous weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or ice.
- Check your emergency kit. Your emergency kit should include batteries, a first aid kit, a flashlight, bottled water, a blanket, a powered radio, and whatever else you think you will need.
- Leave ahead of schedule. This can help you avoid traffic. Even if you cannot avoid traffic, leaving ahead of schedule means not having to stress about arriving late to your destination.
- Avoid distractions and stay focused. Distractions include listening to loud music, texting while driving, using a GPS device, and talking to passengers. It is important to keep your eyes on the road; even looking away for a second can cause an accident.
- Take breaks. This is especially important if you plan on being on the road for hours. Driving for hours at a time can cause drowsiness, which can lead to a decrease in your ability to focus. You should not drive when drowsy, upset, or physically unwell.
- Wear your seat belt. Seat belts aid in decreasing the risk of fatal injuries by 45 percent. You should buckle your seat belt as soon as you get into your vehicle and instruct any passengers to do the same.
- Plan ahead. You should map out the route you will be taking before you get on the road. Knowing the names and numbers of the exits you will need to take is especially helpful.
South Jersey Car Accident Lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm Represent Clients Injured in Holiday Car Accidents
If you or someone you know was injured in a car accident, contact a South Jersey car accident lawyer at the D’Amato Law Firm. Our experienced lawyers will fight for your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 609-926-3300. Located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients throughout South Jersey, including Atlantic City, Linwood, Galloway Township, Cape May, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Ocean City, and Woodbury.