Thanksgiving Travel Tips: Avoiding Car Accidents and Staying Safe on the Road

For many of us, the Thanksgiving holiday means travel, and often by car. This is why there is so much traffic on the roads surrounding Thanksgiving, and more traffic means more car accidents. As experienced car accident attorneys, we know that serious accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to keep yourself and your family safe. 

Stay Alert

Some of us travel several hours to get together with family and friends for Thanksgiving. Long drives are mentally and physically taxing and it can become difficult to remain fully alert. Accidents can easily occur when drivers fail to pay full attention because they are daydreaming or are simply tired. If you are struggling to stay alert, get off the road and take a break. Have a cup of coffee or consider even changing drivers. 

Stay Awake

Because Thanksgiving traffic can be so brutal, many people will leave at night after work or really early in the morning. Unfortunately, this means that many of these drivers are driving while drowsy. Fatigued driving can cause delayed reaction times, difficulty staying alert, and even falling asleep at the wheel. Make sure that you are fully rested when you get behind the wheel, and be mindful that other drivers may not be fully awake and paying attention. 

Minimize Distractions

A Thanksgiving road trip often involves children and maybe even a pet. There can be arguing, laughter, and a barrage of questions. On top of that, someone wants you to change the music, work emails are coming in, and your family is texting you about your travel plans. Do your best to minimize your distractions so that you can fully focus your attention on driving: 

• Do not use your phone while driving – it requires you to take your eyes off the road and your hands off the wheel. 
• Try to avoid eating while driving, as it can make it difficult to control the vehicle and cause delayed reaction times. 
• Try to teach your children that it is important for the driver to be able to focus, and they should therefore avoid causing distractions. 
• If your pet cannot behave in the car, consider boarding them or leaving them with someone who will take care of them while you are away. 

Watch Your Speed

Year after year, speeding is one of the leading causes of car accidents. Driving too fast shortens your reaction time and increases your stopping distance. In other words, you have less time to react to dangerous situations and need more time to stop. On top of that, luggage and additional passengers can affect how your vehicle brakes and handles, especially at highway speeds. Watch your speed, increase your distance from other vehicles, and get to your destination safely. 

Contact Clark, Fountain, Littky-Rubin & Whitman Today

If you have been injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, we can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.