The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest travel times of the year, with millions of people hitting the roads, eager to spend time with friends and loved ones. But, more people on the roadways means a higher chance of getting into a collision or other vehicle-related incident. Atlanta Personal Injury Law Group - Gore wishes everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday. Here is our best advice on Thanksgiving travel safety:
Follow the Rules of the Road. The window between Wednesday evening (November 23rd) and Monday morning (November 28th) is one of the busiest travel times of the year, so drivers need to be prepared for heavy traffic. Drivers should observe the speed limits, slow down in work zones, and give the other vehicles around them plenty of space. Remember: motorists are excited about the holiday, and may be more focused on their Thanksgiving plans than what is happening on the roadways.
Always Wear Your Seat Belt. During the 2014 Thanksgiving holiday, approximately 350 people were killed in motor vehicle collisions nation-wide (Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Fifty percent of those individuals were not wearing seat belts at the time of their crash. Upon average, that risk increases to 58% during the evening (Source: NHTSA). Seat belts are life-saving devices which should be worn at all times. During the Thanksgiving holiday, drivers should make sure every single person in the vehicle is buckled up, no matter where they are sitting, or how long the drive will take.
Do Not Drive Distracted or Impaired. When drivers take their seat behind the wheel this holiday, they should be well rested, alert, and ready to give their full attention to the road. They should avoid distractions such as their cell phones; remember, it is illegal in Georgia to text and drive. Distracted driving is to blame for 25% of all vehicle collisions (Source: National Safety Council). During long road trips, motorists should take frequent breaks, and rotate drivers as needed. Also, drivers should not operate a vehicle while impaired – during the Thanksgiving holiday or otherwise. In 2013, 31% of all deadly Thanksgiving holiday crashes were alcohol-related. If you do plan on consuming alcohol, use a designated driver.
Be Prepared for Different Weather Conditions. As you are planning your Thanksgiving travel, be sure to check the weather along your entire route. Plan for any oncoming storms by making sure your vehicle’s headlights and windshield wipers are in good working order. You might also consider keeping an emergency kit inside the vehicle.
Atlanta Personal Injury Law Group - Gore hope you and your loved ones have a Happy Thanksgiving. However, if you or someone you know has been injured in a collision and needs help with a personal injury claim, give Atlanta Personal Injury Law Group - Gore a call today at (404) 436-1529.