Travel Safety Tips for Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and for many of us that means traveling to visit our loved ones. Last year, AAA projected 43.4 million Americans would journey 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. With gas prices under $3.00 per gallon in some states, more drivers are expected to hit the roads this Thanksgiving. The Thanksgiving holiday travel period is defined as Wednesday, November 27 to Sunday, December 1.

If you plan to drive, whether it be across the country, city or state- Make sure to use extra caution. Motorists can expect to see an increase in traffic and possibly less than ideal weather conditions, including rain, sleet and snow. In 2012, there were 48 deaths and 952 serious injuries from traffic crashes over the Thanksgiving holiday. There were 20% more fatal crashes nationally in the 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. travel period during Thanksgiving week. Not surprisingly, more crashes occurred in the rain and on wet pavement.

Below are some travel safety tips from the Law Firm of Michael T. Gibson, P.A. to help you arrive safely at your destination this Thanksgiving.

• 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. According Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 40% of the fatal Thanksgiving crashes involved drinking and driving.
• Stay tuned to local news for accident reports, road closures and changing weather conditions.

Additional Thanksgiving Travel Safety Resources

• Travel Safely During Thanksgiving Holiday – American Red Cross
• AAA: 43.4 Million Americans to Travel for Thanksgiving, a Slight Decline from Last Year

Be Safe On The Roads This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel holidays of the year. The increase in traffic, particularly on our nation’s highways, increases the likelihood of traffic-related accidents. At the Law Firm of Michael T. Gibson, P.A., we want you to travel safely this holiday season, and year around! If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident, it is important that you contact an experienced Orlando Auto Accident Lawyer immediately. Our experienced team of accident attorneys can help you obtain compensation for medical bills, future medical treatment, loss of wages, pain and suffering, etc. Feel free to fill out our quick contact form on our website to discuss your legal options in greater detail.