For a lot of Americans, spending time with friends and loved ones on Thanksgiving also means spending time on the road. Whether your Thanksgiving road trip takes you only a couple of miles or a couple of hundred miles from home, the Rivas Law Group wants to make sure you and your family reach your destination safely and without incident. That’s why we’ve put together a list containing a few simple Thanksgiving travel safety tips to help make your holiday drive as hassle free as possible.
Preparing for the Trip
One of the best ways to ensure a smooth and safe Thanksgiving road trip is preparation:
- Have your vehicle checked — tires, oil level and filter, transmission fluid, radiator fluid, windshield wipers, belts, brakes, lights, engine and battery. Start your journey with a full tank of gas and for long distance travel, refill before you get too close to empty. Being stranded on the side of the road with car problems is definitely a holiday killjoy.
- If this is a first-time trip, map your route in advance. Have an alternate route ready, just in case.
- Get plenty of rest before departing.
- Pack carefully. Make sure your cargo is safely secured so it doesn’t shift suddenly during an unexpected stop.
- Looking to avoid the heavy traffic? The best day to leave/come back will be Thursday and Friday. Leave as early as possible.
Out on the Road
Here are some tips to avoid trouble while out on the road:
- Buckle up. It’s the law, and it dramatically increases your chance of survival in the event of a car accident.
- Don’t allow yourself to get distracted – keep your attention focused on the road.
- If you get tired, stop and take a rest, or let someone else drive.
- Be aware of road conditions; be prepared to slow down or stop if necessary. Download a traffic app with real time traffic and road information to avoid problems.
- Keep your cell phone charged at all times.
- Make sure you pack enough snacks, drinks, games, books, videos/DVDs, etc. to keep the kids occupied during the trip.
- Be security conscious. Leave your car parked in an easily visible location. Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t leave valuables in your car, etc.
- If you’re taking the pets, make sure you bring bottled water, food, their toys, a leash, and anything you need to clean-up after your pets. Be sure to secure your pets with a harness or seatbelt or place them in a crate so they don’t get hurt.
- Pack an emergency kit, including flashlight, blanket, and first aid kit.
- Be extra careful if you encounter inclement weather. Pull off the road if necessary.
- Avoid distractions while driving, including texting or talking on a cell phone.
The Rivas Law Group Wishes You And Your Family A Safe And Blessed Thanksgiving!
The 2019 Thanksgiving travel period stretches from Wednesday, November 27 to Sunday, December 1. It’s estimated that 55 million Americans will drive 50 miles or more during the Thanksgiving holiday, a 2.9 percent increase from last year.
Please take extra care while out on the roads and remember our Thanksgiving travel safety advice. This is one of the deadliest holiday travel times for American drivers, with around 400 people being killed each year in road accidents during the Thanksgiving weekend. Failure to wear seat belts, speeding, DWI, distracted driving and fatigued driving are the most frequent causes of deadly collisions during the Thanksgiving holidays.
If you were involved in a holiday accident that was the fault of the other driver, don’t let yourself get stuck paying the bills. The Lutz auto accident attorneys at the Rivas Law Group are here to see you get the compensation you deserve for any damages related to the accident. Call us at (877) 299-5539 to schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys.