Be practical and smart to avoid personal injury during Thanksgiving
Are you traveling for Thanksgiving? According to AAA, 48.7 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home this Thanksgiving, an increase of one million travelers compared with last year. “This represents a 1.9 percent increase over 2015, and the most Thanksgiving travelers since 2007,” according to the article on www.aaa.com. AAA defines the Thanksgiving holiday travel period as Wednesday, Nov. 23, to Sunday, Nov. 27.”
AAA cites improvements in the economy during the second half of the year, including rising wages, increased consumer spending and overall strength in consumer confidence, as the reason for the increased travel. “And despite recent incremental increases in the national average price of gasoline, AAA estimates U.S. drivers have saved more than $28 billion so far at the pumps this year compared to the same period last year,” states the article.
Most of these people, says AAA President and CEO Marshall Doney. “will travel on the tried and true holiday road trip, thanks to gas prices that are holding at close to $2 per gallon.” In fact, according to AAA, driving is the most popular mode of travel for Thanksgiving, and more than 89 percent of holiday travelers will drive this holiday. Needless to say, the probability of personal injury in a car crash is high on South Florida’s major arteries, including I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike – the two main routes that will get these travelers where they’re going.
Moreover, holiday driving can be one of the most stressful aspects of the holiday season, drastically accelerating the potential for personal injury on the road. People who have been victims of another driver’s careless or reckless behavior should contact a Fort Lauderdale personal injury litigation attorney, to make sure their rights are recognized and that they receive the compensation they deserve to pay for medical bills, a loss in wages, and other problems associated with a car crash injury.
There are many ways drivers can avoid the pitfalls of holiday driving to keep the experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible. To stay safe, according to the American Safety Council, everyone should try to avoid the main holiday driving hazards:
One of the biggest problems with holiday driving is lack of planning. Always plan to encounter traffic and leave enough time in case there are delays on the road. The ASC advises people to “leave a half hour or a full hour ahead of schedule to avoid stress on the road and at your holiday destination.” In addition, to make travel even easier, check in advance to make sure the vehicle can handle long-distance travel, especially the stress involving stop-and-go traffic. Make sure tires are properly inflated, and that no service lights illuminate on the dashboard – these could be telling you that a future breakdown could be ahead.
The ASC also advises to pack wisely and to make sure the vehicle is not weighted down beyond what it can handle, and that people pack everything properly so that the weight doesn’t shift with an abrupt stop or other quick driving maneuver. No one wants the suitcases to come crashing down while whizzing along the highway. “If you’re traveling with kids or pets, make sure your little ones are secure in their respective seats and that they are equipped with food, water, and toys to keep them entertained during the drive,” ASC says.
One of the most important things to consider are which days to travel. Leave a day early and stay an extra day at grandma’s house to avoid traffic and other potential headaches. The ASC also suggests relying on a GPS for traffic information and options for alternate routes. Drivers should always make sure they are rested and alert when they get behind the wheel. They should stop when they need to so that everyone gets a break.
Avoiding distracted driving is probably one of the most repeated – and most necessary – checkmarks for every driver but its importance should never be taken lightly. “The holidays do have a way of taking our minds away from common sense practices, like driving safely and responsibly,” states the ASC. The best way to drive is to ignore all distractions, including the text and email beeps and the ringing of the phone, until it is safe to pull off the road. “Cell phones and holiday traffic don’t mix, and no call or text is worth risking your life over,” says the ASC.
We couldn’t agree more. Remember that personal injury can quickly and forever alter a life. Don’t forget to seek out the counsel of a personal injury litigation attorney following a motor vehicle accident to ensure your rights.
As the season gets under way, we wish everyone safe and peaceful holidays.
