Thanksgiving Driving Tips: The Dangers and How to Stay Safe
Thanksgiving weekend is the busiest time for travel during the year. In fact, about 42.5 million people go out on the roads to make a trip of at least 50 miles.
The congestion results in delays and is further responsible for car accidents. The weekend also sees the greatest number of fatalities from drunk driving, as well as accidents stemming from speeding, bad weather, traveling at night, and being tired or distracted on the roads.
Usually, 90 percent of all Thanksgiving travel is by car, and because of lower gas prices, that amount is expected to increase for 2015. To prepare, keep these tips in mind:
- Plan Ahead
If you’re driving by car, what does this mean? For one, plan out the route you expect to take in advance, using a combination of GPS, maps, and your smart phone. Look for places where you’ll experience traffic delays and add them to the time it takes to get from point A to point B.
As well, think about when you make your trip. Depending how much time you plan to take off from work, it’s often better to leave on Monday or Tuesday and then drive back home on Friday. This way, you’ll avoid Wednesday and Sunday – the two busiest travel days surrounding the holiday.
- Prepare
Make sure you have the following for your journey:
- Gas and fluids in your car
- A vehicle that’s in top working condition
- Enough clothing and food – but not too much, as you want to travel light.
- An emergency kit with a flashlight, blanket, first aid, tools, and water.
- Drive Focused
You need to fully be alert due to the greater propensity for accidents to happen. Make sure you:
- Obey the rules of the road.
- React appropriately to weather conditions, such as snow, ice, rain, and darkness.
- Make stops during your journey, as necessary.
- Never use your cell phone or drive distracted.
- Have a backup driver amongst your group who can take over when you’re tired or need a break.
Additionally, as you’re out on the road, make sure your car insurance is up to date and provides enough coverage. To talk about policies or to change coverage, give us a call today at 203.439.2815.
