Tips for Travelling Safely This Thanksgiving Holiday

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, an estimated 40 million Americans are expected to be journeying the roads this holiday. If you are travelling this Thanksgiving it is important to exercise caution with so many other motorists driving to and from their destinations.

The potential for car accidents is quite high this Thanksgiving season. During the first half of this year alone, 15,470 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic accidents. That number is only expected to increase during the second half of the year due to such high volumes of people travelling at the end of the year for the holidays.

An unexpected car crash can ruin your Thanksgiving holiday. The following safety tips can help to keep you and your family unharmed while road tripping this year.

• Check the fluid levels on your car, the battery and fill up your gas tank before leaving town. A full tank of gas and regular maintenance on your vehicle can go a long way to ensure you reach your destination safely.
• Be prepared for an emergency. It is very important to have a plan set in place if you are involved in a collision, breakdown or even a medical emergency. Bring along a basic emergency kit, including such items as a flashlight, blanket, first-aid kit, bottled water and basic tools. Lots of motor vehicle accidents occur when drivers are stranded on the side of the road. Should your car breakdown, if possible, try and pull the car onto the shoulder or off of the road. All occupants inside the car should exit the vehicle onto the side opposite oncoming traffic and wait for help as far away from the road as possible. Make sure to turn your hazard lights on to warn other drivers.
• Check the load capacity on your car before packing your vehicle, as your car has a specific weight limit. This limit is usually printed on a label inside the driver’s side door. You want to make sure you do not overload your vehicle with luggage and passengers.
• Observe “Move Over” laws. Stay alert and watch for other drivers who may be stranded on the side of the road. If you spot a vehicle pulled off to the side of the highway, be sure to slow down and move over.
• Distracted driving is dangerous driving. Texting while driving is a major cause of auto accidents nationwide. In fact, drivers who text while behind the wheel are four times more likely to become involved in a collision. Make sure your focus remains on the roadway.
• Try and avoid driving late at night. A variety of challenges present themselves to drivers late at night. The roads are more difficult to see as well as other traffic. Try and plan your holiday travels to take place during daylight hours.
• Stay in the right lane when possible. The further you are to the right of the road, the better your chances of avoiding a collision with a wrong-way driver or an intoxicated motorist.

If you or someone you love is injured or killed in an auto accident this Thanksgiving season in Inverness, Crystal River, Beverly Hills, Lecanto, Homosassa, Dunnellon, Hernando, Sugarmill Woods, Citrus Springs or Floral City, a Citrus County Auto Accident Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can help you through this difficult time. Contact us online or call 352-726-0078 for a free consultation with our personal injury attorneys.

From all of us at Whittel & Melton, we hope you and your family have a very happy Thanksgiving!

Photo credit: Foter.com / CC BY-SA