Staying Safe on the Road for Thanksgiving
What to Expect on the Road
This Thanksgiving celebration is the first holiday gathering for many people since 2019. As such, travel experts expect roads to be packed, starting with an early getaway on Tuesday, and continuing through Sunday evening. In addition to the greater number of motorists on the roadway, meteorologists are predicting a ‘potentially significant’ storm for the East Coast during the height of the travel period. Read about the storm here.
At Denlea & Carton, we know how sudden and heartbreaking accidents on the road can be. For over 35 years, we have been representing individuals hurt or killed in car accidents caused by another person’s negligence or wrongdoing. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a recent car crash, contact our office at (914) 368-7168 for a free consultation.
Holiday Car Accidents are Preventable
According to the National Safety Counsel (NSC), due to the increased volume expected in travel, over 500 people may die on the roads in the US during this Thanksgiving holiday period. If that prediction comes to pass, the 2021 Thanksgiving season will have the most traffic deaths since 2007!
The good news is that many of these deaths are preventable. One of the main causes for motor vehicle fatalities is drinking and driving. Thanksgiving and the gathering of family and friends may be a time to celebrate with a toast, but unfortunately many people get behind the wheel after having a few drinks. Approximately 40% of motor vehicle fatalities are alcohol related and preventable.
Avoid Distracted Driving
Being the highest day of travel for the U.S., and even more so this year as people make up for lost time, distracted driving and speeding can also contribute to the high mortality rate. These types of accidents can be prevented. Avoid multi-tasking while on the road, don’t eat or drink while driving, never use a phone while driving, and keep your eyes on the road.
When it comes to speeding, leave more than enough time to get to your destination, keeping in mind the high volume of traffic (and accidents) you may encounter, and the anticipated bad weather. If your vehicle is equipped with cruise control, try setting that to maintain an even speed, adjusting as need be for traffic flow.
Happy Thanksgiving, and Stay Safe!
And lastly, every passenger should be wearing a seat belt. Besides being the law in New York for both front and back seat passengers, studies show that seatbelts are 45% effective in preventing fatalities. It is a simple thing that has been proven repeatedly to save lives.
So, this Thanksgiving holiday, be extra careful and mindful in your travels, so that you can enjoy your family and friends during this wonderful time of the year.
