5 Thanksgiving Safe Driving Tips for 2019

5 Thanksgiving Safe Driving Tips for 2019

5 Thanksgiving Safe Driving Tips for 2019

On Thanksgiving weekend, families all over the country will be driving to see their families. It’s the beginning of “the most wonderful time of the year.” And along with that, of course, it can be the heaviest time of the year for traffic. 

AAA reported that for this upcoming Thanksgiving weekend, more than 55 million Americans will be traveling 50 miles or more to visit family and loved ones. That’s almost 3% more than last year. AAA also reports that the number of travelers will likely increase each year around the holidays.

If you’re one of those 55 million travelers, there are key things you can do now to ensure safety on the road and help make your trip go more smoothly. Here are our top recommendations for a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving weekend commute:

Stay Safety on the Road With a Maintenance Check

Before the day of your travel plans arrives, take time to check the overall maintenance of your vehicle. The following are essential items to check during your safety inspection:

  • Tires – check the pressure and the tread
  • Battery – test and make sure it’s fully charged
  • Windshield Wiper Blades – be sure wipers aren’t dull; replace if necessary
  • Fluids – be sure windshield wiper fluid and oil levels are high

These items are critical, and it doesn’t take long to look them over. While most do think about their tires, it’s easy to neglect the other items listed above – like the windshield wiper blades.

Why It’s Important to Avoid the Roads at Peak Times

Along with the report about how many people are expected to be traveling on the road this season, AAA also released the highway peak times with a “delay multiplier” for many major cities in the U.S. For the majority, around noon and between 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. appears to be the most congested times for traveling.  The worst day to traverse is predicted to be Wednesday. If possible, avoid these times at all costs for your Thanksgiving drive and help alleviate the headache that comes with stop-and-go traffic.

Get Plenty of Rest Before Getting Behind the Wheel

A good night’s sleep does wonders for the brain. Be sure to get plenty of restful sleep the day/days leading up to your holiday travel. That will keep you focused and alert while behind the wheel. A person driving while drowsy has nearly the same effect as driving under the influence of alcohol – your reactions are delayed, and it’s difficult to concentrate.

Something else to consider that will help you stay focused and alert on the road is to prepare activities for your little ones in the backseat. If you have a more extended road trip, keep your backseat passengers occupied with coloring books, games or movies so you can truly zone in on the road.

Why You Should Prioritize Pit Stops Along the Way

For those extra-long road trips, be sure to take time to pull over at a rest stop to give your eyes a much-needed break. After hours of driving, your eyes might start playing tricks on you, making driving dangerous for not just you and your family, but everyone else on the road. Aim for pit stops every 2 hours or every 100 miles to help keep your mind sharp.

How To Best Share the Road with All Vehicles

When you’re in a hurry to reach your destination, it’s easy to forget about everything else except your immediate need to get there — and fast. But families all over the country are doing the same thing, so be courteous. Show some of that holiday spirit.

Look out for truck drivers, as well. They’re often the victims of road rage as cars zoom around them in frustration at their massive sizes. But truck drivers are not invincible, and their job is a difficult one. Share the road with them and take extra time to signal when switching lanes.

Following these guidelines will ensure that you’re traveling with the highest regard for safety this Thanksgiving holiday.

Orlando Car Accident Attorneys are Here for You

If you’re in the unfortunate event of an auto accident or car crash during your Thanksgiving holiday weekend travels, The Umansky Law Firm is here for you. We understand that not all accidents are avoidable, and we’ll use our decades of experience representing drivers in all types of auto accident cases.

Our lawyers are recognized as Legal Elite by the Florida Trend magazine and will use their expertise and compassion to fight for your best interest. Call our office today. We’ll evaluate your case for free and provide you with all the available options for winning your case.

5 Thanksgiving Safe Driving Tips for 2019
10595
52.205.218.160