Anyone who has taken a road trip during Thanksgiving knows all too well how bad the traffic can be during the holiday period. It is a time for aggressive drivers who cause accidents, broken-down vehicles, and other problems. There are ways to make the drives easier, and this requires some planning and consistent focus behind the wheel. Here are some helpful tips to keep you and your loved ones safe when you are on the road during the upcoming holiday period.
Make Sure Your Vehicle Is in Good Condition
Do not take a long drive in a vehicle that is not in good shape. Make sure that the tires are properly inflated and have good treads, check the fluid levels and lights, and clean the windows and mirrors. Fill up the tank the day before, and do not let the gas level go below one-quarter when on the road.
Leave Early
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving will have a lot of traffic; it is the year’s busiest travel day. If you must make your trip then, leave in the morning before the roads get packed. Thanksgiving Day will also be busy, but you may fare better if you hold off until closer to dinnertime. As for the return trip, Sunday will have the heaviest traffic; many people opt to leave on Monday.
Check Your Route
Before pulling away from your house, take a few minutes to enter the route on your GPS; this is also a good time to listen to traffic and weather reports. Things could be fine in your area but worse on your route, so keep checking regularly while driving. Also, remember to pack an emergency kit, healthy snacks, and water, plus books, toys, and other things to occupy your passengers.
Get Enough Sleep Before Driving
Go to bed early the night before since fatigued driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving, and stay alert by taking breaks every few hours to refresh your own engine. Give yourself some extra time to account for traffic delays, and make sure that everyone has their seat belt on at all times.
Avoid Driving While Distracted
The longer your drive is, the likelier the chances of encountering hazards, like aggressive or drunk drivers, tractor-trailers, road debris, closed roads, and highway construction. Texting and talking on cellphones while driving takes your attention away from the road, so you might not see those oncoming dangers until it is too late. Avoid these distractions and other ones, like eating while driving, turning around to yell at your children, or rubbernecking to look at roadside accidents.
Be Aware of Dangerous Drivers
If you see another vehicle that is speeding or doing other unsafe maneuvers, stay as far away as possible. When someone is tailgating you, just move over when it is safe to do so; there is no reason to make the driver angry.
Media Car Accident Lawyer at the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello Can Give You Legal Advice After a Thanksgiving Crash
Thanksgiving is a time for celebrating, but accidents are an unfortunate reality that occurs during this highly-traveled holiday period. For a free consultation, contact our Media car accident lawyer at the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello. Call us at (610) 892-4940 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation. Located in Media, Pennsylvania, we serve clients in Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Lancaster, Montgomery County, Norristown, Philadelphia, Reading, and West Chester.
