When it comes to Thanksgiving travel, people are on the roads to reach their families and friends to celebrate the holiday. But there isn’t just one day to worry about. On Black Friday, deal-hungry shoppers take over the highways. Throughout the entire weekend, folks are traveling back to their own homes. And then there is Blackout Wednesday, the night before Thanksgiving, and one of the most dangerous times of the year to be on the road. Thanksgiving car accidents can and do happen throughout this holiday, but simple safety precautions can often be enough to save a life.
Choose Travel Times Wisely
There are good days to drive and bad days to drive around the Thanksgiving holiday. Whether you’re traveling near or far, getting on the highway on Wednesday, particularly in the afternoon, almost ensures that you will be stuck in traffic. You’ll be surrounded by exhausted and impatient drivers who just want to reach their destination.
If you can leave earlier in the day on Wednesday – better yet, earlier in the week – or postpone your travel until Thanksgiving morning, do it. You’ll get where you’re going much faster, avoid crowded highways, and keep frustration at bay.
Limit Distractions
If you must use a navigation app to help you get where you’re going, have it set up and ready before you turn on the car. Better yet, if you have a copilot to help guide you, that means you won’t be spending time with your eyes off the road to read directions.
Using your cell phone for navigation is distracting enough. Don’t use it for anything else while driving. There is never a good day or time, at any point in the year, to text, email, or use your phone in any way while you’re driving. You can keep yourself safer on the roads by putting all your attention into the task at hand.
If you’re traveling with children, you know what keeps them happy in the car. Prep their space with snacks, tablets, music, and books before you turn on the car. Whatever gets them through the drive will get you through the drive with limited distractions. You’ll just have to tune out the whining and fighting.
Know the Dangers
The night before Thanksgiving may be a busy travel time, but it’s also the biggest drinking night of the year, recently given the name of Blackout Wednesday. Thanksgiving is a time to get together with people you haven’t seen in a while, whether there are reunions among friends, young adults home from college, or families toasting their gathering. These gatherings often involve overindulging, whether with food or drink, and binge drinking is not uncommon.
When there is alcohol, people drive drunk, and that means a greater likelihood of Thanksgiving car accidents, potentially fatal. There are plenty of reasons to treat yourself to a night of letting loose, whether you’re stressing about too much family time, trying to cope with a holiday that makes you sad, or enjoying a night out when you’ve been spending too many nights at home. Simple rule: If you drink, don’t drive.
Just Be Smart
Wear your seatbelt. Don’t drink and drive. Be cautious in bad weather. Plan your travel so you don’t have to rush.
If you are involved in a Thanksgiving car accident in Michigan, contact Thurswell Law for a free consultation with an experienced car crash lawyer. You have the right to compensation for your pain and suffering. We do not charge any fees unless you collect. Call (248) 354-2222 today to schedule your consultation.
