The Thanksgiving holiday weekend, which starts the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and goes through the Sunday after the holiday, is considered by most travel experts to be the busiest days of the year to be on the road. Last year, more than 38 million people were expected to travel over 50 miles from home via automobile to get to their Thanksgiving destination. While an official estimate of travelers for this holiday season has not yet been released, drivers can expect this Thanksgiving holiday to be busy as well. Many drivers opt to drive rather than fly, due to lower gas prices and airport related hassles. With so many Americans on the road, Thanksgiving weekend can also be a more dangerous time to drive. This is why it is so important for motorists to take extra precautions this holiday.
Having a safe road trip starts before you even leave your driveway.
Making it to your Thanksgiving destination safely starts early. About a week before your trip, take the time to perform some routine maintenance on your vehicle. A driver can reduce his or chances of being in a wreck by making sure his or her vehicle is in good repair. Make sure your brakes and headlights are in working order and all fluids are topped off. You will also want to check your tire pressure and your windshield wipers for wear. It is also helpful to start off your trip with a full tank of gas.
Another essential safe travel tip is to make sure all passengers are wearing their safety belts. Young children should be in a safety seat that is appropriate for their height and weight. Proper safety seats and belts do not just prevent serious injuries, they also save lives. Make it a rule when you drive, that the car does not start until everyone is safely buckled in. This means children as well as adults. Adults can help ensure that young children and teens alike will always wear their seat belts by setting a good example.
Before you are on your merry way, you should also make sure that the person driving is okay to drive. This of course means that he or she must be sober. The selected driver should also be well-rested and mentally alert. Lastly, it is important the driver has familiarized him or herself with the travel route. Having a map or a GPS system and a fully-charged cell phone are also helpful necessities.
Once you are on the road.
While it can be tempting to try to make it to your turkey-day destination as quickly as possible, your chief goal should be safety, not speed. Make sure to slow down in construction and work zones. This is not just smart, it is also the law. Drivers should also assume that travel times will be slower due to increased traffic. Rather than stomping on the brakes, decrease your speed and increase your following distance. Letting traffic congestion get the best of you, can only spell trouble. If you do find yourself getting irritated with traffic or even becoming fatigued, remember to take a break. Some fresh air and a cup of coffee can do wonders to improve not only your mood, but also give you a small mental break. You can also use this time to switch drivers.
If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries after being involved in a car accident, the skilled Personal Injury Attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. can help. Our experienced team of injury attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case to ensure that you rights are protected. The caring and compassionate Kansas City Personal Injury Attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. have helped countless numbers of injury victims obtain just compensation for their injures. Whether you live in Kansas or Missouri, our team of attorneys has you covered. Contact Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. today at (816) 472-4673 to schedule an initial consultation.