Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods of the year in the United States. In 2024, about 71.7 million people drove during the Thanksgiving weekend. This year, the numbers are expected to be similar. With increased traffic, unpredictable weather, shorter days and heightened stress levels, the risk of car accidents rises significantly during this time. Safe driving during the Thanksgiving holiday requires planning, patience and awareness. Here are some of the steps that can be taken to ensure a safe, smooth and enjoyable holiday weekend.
Plan Your Trip Ahead of Time
One of the best ways to stay safe during Thanksgiving travel is to plan your route well in advance. Many people travel on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after, which are typically the busiest days on the road. If possible, adjust your schedule to travel during off-peak hours, such as early morning or late evening. Mapping out your route before you leave allows you to anticipate traffic congestion, identify rest stops and check for road construction.
Using a navigation app with real-time traffic updates can help you avoid delays.
However, never rely on your GPS alone. Check weather forecasts and road conditions ahead of time, particularly if you are driving through regions prone to snow or ice. Having a paper map or printed route can also be helpful if your phone loses service.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Thanksgiving often marks the beginning of winter weather in many parts of the country, making vehicle preparation essential. Start by checking your tires, ensuring they have proper tread and adequate air pressure. Incorrectly inflated or worn-out tires reduce traction and can be especially dangerous on wet or icy roads.
Next, inspect your brakes, wipers, lights and battery. Replace windshield wipers if they leave streaks and make sure your headlights and brake lights are functioning properly. If you’re traveling long distances, consider having a mechanic perform a pre-trip inspection. It is also a good idea to pack an emergency kit that includes flashlights, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, jumper cables, blankets and warm clothing, non-perishable snacks, water, a phone charger, ice scraper and basic tools.
Get Plenty of Rest Before You Travel
Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. The combination of long drives, late-night packing and early morning departures makes fatigue a serious holiday hazard. Aim for at least seven to eight hours of sleep before hitting the road, and avoid driving when your body typically rests.
If you are taking a long road trip, schedule regular breaks, at least once every two hours. Short and frequent stretch breaks help keep you alert and prevent muscle fatigue. If traveling with other licensed drivers, consider sharing the driving responsibilities to reduce mental and physical strain.
Avoid Distracted Driving
With holiday excitement, full cars, GPS directions and last-minute messages, distractions are everywhere during holiday weekends. Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of accidents. To minimize distractions:
- Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” or use a hands-free system.
- Set your destination on your GPS before you begin driving.
- Keep conversations with passengers calm and at a reasonable volume.
- Secure pets, luggage and loose items so they don’t shift during travel.
Remember, texting while driving — even for a second — can take your eyes off the road long enough to cause a serious crash.
Slow Down and Increase Following Distance
Holiday traffic is often heavy, and rushing only increases the risk of an accident. With unpredictable weather, slower traffic and potential delays, it is important to give yourself extra time and maintain patience. Increase your following distance to at least three to four seconds. In bad weather, extend this to six seconds or more. This extra space gives you more time to react if the car in front of you brakes suddenly or if road conditions worsen.
Do Not Drive Under the Influence
Holiday gatherings often include alcohol. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair reaction time and judgment. If you plan to drink, designate a sober driver or consider using rideshare or taxi services.
Contacting an Experienced Lawyer
Injured victims of negligent (careless) drivers can seek compensation from at-fault parties for damages including, but not limited to, medical expenses, lost wages and benefits, hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, past and future pain and suffering, etc. Families that have lost loved ones in car accidents can seek compensation for damages such as lost future income, medical and funeral costs, pain and suffering, etc.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident or pedestrian accident, or if you have lost a loved one in an auto accident caused by a negligent (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. It is in the best interest of injured victims and their families in such cases to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer before contacting the people responsible for the injuries, and definitely before contacting or communicating with any insurance company, or their lawyers, investigators, or adjusters.
For over 54 years, our skilled accident attorneys have established a proven track record of helping injured victims get fair compensation for their losses. 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 $2,000,000 in a hit-and-run accident, 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. We also recovered $1,500,000 for a lady who was hurt by a bus.
We also obtained $295,000 out of a $300,000 insurance policy in compensation for the victim of a bicycle dooring accident (where a car door opens into the path of a bicyclist). 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. Also, we got a $1,400,000 verdict in a motorcycle accident.
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(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, lead poisoning and medical malpractice cases including, brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) and cerebral palsy 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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