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Answers To Common Questions About Thanksgiving Safety


Experts In This Article

Here are the answers to some of the questions we hear the most about Thanksgiving Safety.

What are some driving safety tips to remember this Thanksgiving holiday?

  • Make sure your vehicle is in good working order before hitting the road. Begin the trip with a full tank of gas and make sure your windshield wiper fluid is full and your tire pressure is within the appropriate levels.
  • Get a good night’s sleep the night before so you are well-rested and alert for the drive.
  • Avoid distractions while behind the wheel, such as cell phone use.
  • Obey speed limits and in treacherous weather conditions, ALWAYS reduce your speed.
  • Make frequent stops, particularly during long road trips and rotate drivers.
  • If you become tired while behind the wheel, pull over to a safe place and rest. Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving.
  • Be respectful of other drivers and follow the rules of the road.
  • Do not follow other vehicles too closely. Be prepared for delays. Many accidents are a result of driver frustration.
  • NEVER drink and drive. Always designate a sober driver, call a cab or stay the night.
  • Stay tuned to local news for accident reports, road closures and changing weather conditions.
  • Pay attention to your vehicle’s maximum capacity, so you do not overload your vehicle.
  • Be prepared. Have a safety kit packed in case of emergency.

What is considered the busiest travel day of the Thanksgiving holiday?

In a survey conducted by AAA, the highest volume of travelers plan to leave for their trip the Wednesday before the holiday (37 percent) and return the following Sunday (33 percent) with another 24 percent expecting to return on Monday, Dec 2 or later. Automobile travel remains the dominant mode of transportation. Last year, approximately 90 percent of travelers or 38.9 million people were expected to travel by automobile over the Thanksgiving holiday. With the Thanksgiving holiday falling on a Thursday, many people are off work on Friday- giving travelers more time to spend with family and friends.

What is the most traveled holiday period of the year?

Thanksgiving weekend is the most traveled holiday period of the year. The Thanksgiving holiday travel period is defined as Wednesday, November 26 through Sunday, November 30. Those hitting the road this Thanksgiving holiday will be seeing the lowest gas prices in five years. It is estimated that more than 89 percent of travelers (41.3 million) will travel by automobile to their destination.

What percentage of Thanksgiving Day fatal car crashes were a result of drinking and driving?

According Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 40% of the fatal Thanksgiving crashes involved drinking and driving.

When are DUI arrests at their highest?

DUI arrests are at their highest between Thanksgiving and the end of New Year’s weekend. Thanksgiving Eve is even referred to as “Black Wednesday” because it the busiest night of the year for bars. Social binge drinking (consumption of a high volume of alcohol in a short period of time) is also common during this time of year.

What is considered to be the riskiest time to be on the road?

Many motorists opt to make long drives during the late night or early morning hours to avoid traffic. However, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this move puts you and your passengers even more at-risk. Driving between midnight and 6 a.m. is considered extremely high-risk.

How often should drivers take a break when making a long road trip?

Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Be mindful of the warning signs associated with drowsy driving (i.e. – yawning excessively, missing traffic signs and exits, difficulty focusing or drifting in and out of your lane). Pull over to a safe area and take a break if you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms. If you do not feel tired, it is still a good idea to pull over and rest after driving 100 miles (or every 2 hours).

What are some safety tips to remember when using a turkey fryer?

  • NEVER use a turkey fryer indoors, in a garage or under a covered patio.
  • NEVER overfill the oil level in the fryer.
  • Most turkey fryer fires occur while the oil is being heated. Turkey fryers can easily tip over, spilling hot oil on anyone and anything in close proximity. The sides, lids and handles of these fryers can become extremely hot and cause serious burns.
  • Wear flame-resistant oven mitts and safety goggles when submerging or removing the turkey and when handling the lid or handles.
  • Read and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and only use oil that is recommended by the manufacturer. Different types of oil have different types of heating temperatures.
  • Completely thaw the turkey BEFORE frying it.
  • Before putting in the oil, test the fryer with water. Place the turkey inside and then fill it with water until the turkey is submerged. Remove the turkey and mark the water line so you will know exactly how much oil to put in the fryer.
  • Avoid marinating the turkey prior to frying.
  • Turn off the fuel source before submerging the turkey into the oil.
  • Never leave the fryer unattended.
  • Have a fire extinguisher handy when frying a turkey and NEVER use water to extinguish a grease fire.
  • Keep the area around the fryer a children-free and pet-free zone. And always remember that oil will remain dangerously hot for several hours.

What are some cooking safety tips to remember in the kitchen this Thanksgiving?

  • Begin with a clean oven. Remove any food or grease buildup from the burners and oven before cooking.
  • Have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, where it can be easily accessible in case of emergency.
  • Keep all flammable items (i.e. – kitchen towels, pot holders, oven mitts, etc.) away from the stove. Make sure cooking surfaces are clean and free of any grease.
  • While preparing several dishes at once and trying to entertain guests, it’s easy to become distracted. Stay in the kitchen at all times and avoid getting distracted.
  • Avoid wearing loose fitting clothing and aprons that can easily catch fire.
  • Always stay at home while the turkey is cooking. Use a timer and monitor its progress frequently.
  • Keep children and pets away from the stove and oven. If possible, use only the back burners for cooking.
  • Have a flame-resistant oven mitt, pot holder or lid on hand to smother any flames.
    If an oven fire occurs, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
  • Ensure that your smoke alarms are working properly and make sure your family has an escape plan in the event of a fire.

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