While Thanksgiving and the holidays can be a time for family and celebration, they can also bring an increased risk of car accidents. According to the American Automobile Association, more than 46 million Americans are predicted to travel more than 50 miles this Thanksgiving. Between the stress of the holidays, greatly increased traffic, sleep-deprived motorists, and drunk drivers, Thanksgiving can be one of the most dangerous times to travel. Before you hit the road this holiday season, read the four driving tips listed below to help keep you and your family safe.
- Don’t lose your temper: The holidays can be hectic and it can seem as though you are always in danger of falling behind schedule. Between holiday stresses, long road-trips, and frustrating traffic, remaining calm can be understandably difficult. However, any anger you feel towards other motorists or conditions on the road can greatly impair your ability to drive safely. When possible, give yourself some extra travel time and if setbacks do occur, remember that getting to your destination safely is your first priority.
- Avoid distractions: Along with driver fatigue and alcohol, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. With the time constraints of the holidays, it might be tempting to save time by getting ready or by having a meal while on your way to see relatives, but it is critical to give your full attention to the road. Studies have shown that even carrying on a conversation over a hands-free Bluetooth system can be dangerous.
- Select a designated driver: Having a few drinks over dinner or while watching the game can be a celebrated tradition, but it can be dangerous if you do not take the proper precautions. Despite the known dangers of intoxicated driving, it is still a major issue and if you plan on drinking this Thanksgiving, consider designating a driver for the end of the night. Additionally, not all drivers will follow the law and you should steer clear of motorists who exhibit erratic or dangerous driving behavior.
- Get some rest: Being well-rested is one of the best ways to prepare for a drive, long or short. While many drivers may not give it a second thought, the reality is that fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as buzzed or drunk driving. If you didn’t get a good night sleep, take a nap before leaving. If you are already on the road when you realize that you are too tired to drive, switch drivers or pull over and get some rest before resuming your trip.
At Hutton & Hutton Law Firm, LLC, we know how dangerous road conditions can be and we want to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season. However, if tragedy strikes and an accident occurs over this thanksgiving holiday, we invite you to give us a call and talk to our team about what happened. Our Wichita personal injury attorneys have more than 75 years of collective experience protecting the injured and can help you to take legal action.
We have recovered $200+ million for our clients. Request a free consultation today and discover how our attorneys can help.