According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than 55 million travelers are taking to the roads and skies this Thanksgiving. This is projected to be the second highest Thanksgiving travel volume since AAA began tracking this statistic back in 2000, trailing only the record that was set in 2005. Overall, an additional 1.6 million people will travel compared to last year, which is a 2.9 percent increase. With more people on the road, there is also an increased risk of car accidents.
The vast majority of holiday travelers are expected to drive to their destinations and INRIX, a global transportation analytics company, anticipates Wednesday afternoon to be the worst travel period nationally with some trips taking as much as four times longer than normal in major metropolitan areas. AAA researchers say the strong economy is motivating Americans to venture out this holiday season in near-record numbers. For the 49.3 million Americans hitting the road this Thanksgiving, INRIX predicts major delays throughout the week peaking on Wednesday.
Staying Safe This Thanksgiving
Here are some of the steps that drivers can take to make sure they have a safe Thanksgiving while driving to their holiday destinations:
Perform a quick maintenance check. Before you leave on your trip, make sure you perform a quick check of your tire pressure, tire depth, wiper blades, windshield washer fluid and car battery. Carry a winter safety kit in your vehicle should a roadside emergency occur. You should be prepared with a small shovel, gloves, hats, blankets, flashlights with batteries, warning flares, drinking water, snack bars, and a charger for your phone.
Avoid traveling during peak times. INRIX and AAA have predicted that Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, is going to be the worst day for road travel. Traveling during peak times can cause significant stress and fatigue. There is also the possibility of road rage incidents during busy times. So it may be in your best interests to rearrange your plans.
Do not drive fatigued. Get plenty of rest before you depart so you can remain alert throughout your journey. Driving while fatigued affects motorists the same way driving while impaired affects them. It reduces reaction times and affects concentration and coordination. Avoid drinking alcohol the night before your trip so you do not feel drowsy or impaired in the morning.
Avoid all distractions. When you’re on the road, make sure you’re only focusing on the road. Plan ahead. Set your temperature controls, the radio and your GPS. Don’t fiddle with controls after you start driving. Put your cell phone out of sight or designate a family member or passenger to answer calls and texts during the journey. Make sure you take a break every two hours or 100 miles. This will help you remain alert and aware.
Keep weather, roadway and other conditions in mind. The northeast is expected to get rain and snow this Thanksgiving. Be mindful of weather conditions when you set off on your trip. Make sure your windshield wipers are working well. Maintain adequate distance between your car and the vehicle ahead. Stopping distances are usually much longer when the roadway is slick or icy.
Contacting an Experienced Lawyer
Victims who have been injured in New York City auto accidents may be able to seek compensation for damages including, but not limited to, medical expenses, lost income and benefits, hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, past and future pain and suffering, etc. Families of deceased accident victims may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for damages such as lost future income, funeral costs, medical expenses, pain and suffering, etc.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, or if you have lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident caused by a negligent or careless driver, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options, and also fight hard to recover just compensation for you.
For over 49 years, our skilled accident attorneys have established a proven track record of helping injured victims. Our law firm recently recovered $5,600,000 for a bicyclist who was hit by a van, and $2,550,000 for another victim of a truck accident, and $3,000,000 for a pedestrian who was hit by a car, and the full $1,000,000 insurance policy for a pedestrian who was hit by a truck, and $4,625,000 for a driver who was in a car and was hit by a van, and $2,500,000 for a man who fell through an improperly secured hole. Also, one of our clients obtained a verdict for $43,940,000 and another of our clients got a verdict for $23,500,000, both in medical malpractice cases.
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury and medical malpractice cases in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
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