Tips for a Safe Thanksgiving Road Trip

Planning to hit the road for the Thanksgiving holiday to visit family and friends or simply to get away? You won’t be alone. AAA expects nearly 55 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more during the long holiday weekend. As we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, we want to share some travel tips to remind motorists how they can have a safe Thanksgiving weekend.

Service your vehicle The first step to a safe Thanksgiving road trip is preventive car maintenance. Many people make the mistake of assuming their vehicle is fine because they drive it every day. What they don’t consider is that vehicles may encounter problems when driving long distances and for an extended timeframe, rather than the fifteen minutes to and from work. Besides ensuring you have properly working windshield wipers, consider the following:

• Getting an oil change.

• Having belts checked or replaced.

• Check tire pressure or replace tires with worn tread.

• Have your battery checked.

Prepare in case of an emergency If the unthinkable happens and something goes wrong during your trip, you want to be prepared; this is the key to having a safe Thanksgiving road trip. Below is a checklist of items you want to be equipped with before starting your holiday road trip.

• Spare Tire

• An emergency kit or first aid kit

• Jumper cables

• At least a gallon of water

• Extra food

• A blanket

Get your rest Fatigue is one of your worst enemies if you will be operating a vehicle. Getting a good night’s sleep is important to have a safe Thanksgiving road trip. Most people are anxious to get on the road and are looking forward to seeing loved ones. The problem is that fatigue is, in fact, a major factor in car wrecks over holiday breaks. AAA reports that one in five fatal crashes involves a drowsy driver. To ensure you have time to get the rest you need before you get behind the wheel, have everything prepared two nights before your long-awaited holiday. If another adult will be joining you, take turns behind the wheel. Experts advise those who will be taking long road trips to stop every 100 miles or two hours for a break at a well-lit rest area. Even a quick stop to use the restroom will be helpful in avoiding drowsy driving.

Avoid distracted driving As always, motorists should eliminate all distractions inside the vehicle. Distracted driving is quickly becoming the number one cause of fatal traffic incidents in Texas. A few tips to eliminate distracted driving to keep you safe:

• Set your GPS before leaving

• Leave your phone in your purse or in the glove compartment

• Have a plan to entertain children in the vehicle such as coloring books, snacks, etc.

• Properly restrain your pets so they are safe and comfortable. If you choose to drive distracted, you are not only putting yourself and your loved ones in harm’s way. Other motorists traveling alongside you will also be at risk of suffering life-threatening injuries. Getting behind the wheel comes with a lot of responsibility. Make the right choices to reach your destination safely and enjoy the holiday with your loved ones!

The Carlson Law Firm Can Help No one plans to experience a catastrophic event during the Thanksgiving holiday. Staying safe on the roads is essential, and drivers should drive cautiously. However, if tragedy strikes and you or a loved one is injured in an auto collision, The Carlson Law Firm is ready to help. Our legal team has been striving to help personal injury victims and their families for nearly 50 years. Let us evaluate your case and discuss your legal options during a free consultation.