Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days for road travel every year in America. According to AAA, more than 55-million people are expected to travel for Thanksgiving this year. As you’d expect, more motorists on the road increases your chances of a car accident. To help you and your family stay safe over the holiday, the New Mexico personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe offer the following Thanksgiving travel tips.
Essential Thanksgiving Travel Tips
Thanksgiving travelers in New Mexico can and should expect the unexpected this year. Highway congestion, inclement weather, and flight delays can all wreak havoc on the best-laid plans. Remember that getting to your destination safely is more important than getting to your destination quickly, and know what your alternative routes are before you get stuck in a traffic jam.
Check out these other Thanksgiving travel tips from the Albuquerque injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe to help you and your passengers stay safe.
Plan Ahead
Plan your itinerary carefully, and choose your departure times strategically. If you want to be really ahead of the game, you could leave on the Monday before Thanksgiving. But earlier is not always better.
Expert Thanksgiving travel tips include traveling on Thanksgiving Day to avoid the bulk of holiday travelers and returning home the same day or on Black Friday, since most people will likely leave on Saturday or Sunday.
Prepare Your Vehicle
If you’ll be driving long-distance, make sure your car is in tip-top shape before you go. If you’ve been putting off an oil change, now is the time to do it. Temperatures have dropped dramatically over the last month, with evening temperatures already hitting 20F. Before you hit the road, make sure that you leave with a full tank of gas and don’t forget your spare tire. Pack plenty of water and food too in case you get stranded. Also, consider investing in an emergency first aid kit for your vehicle.
Keep Your Cool
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean drivers won’t be prone to hot-headedness on the road. Regardless of whatever others are doing, keep your cool while driving.
Drivers who are in a hurry or suffering from holiday-induced stress may be more on edge than usual. The frustration of trudging through slow-moving traffic may trigger road rage with deadly consequences. Practice defensive driving and do not engage other drivers with violent or threatening behavior.
Drive Only When You’re Sober and Rested
Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving in New Mexico. If you’re driving alone, stop at designated rest areas as needed to catch some much-needed Zs. If you’re driving with family or friends, take turns driving in shifts, especially at night, so that no one gets fatigued. Resist the temptation to power through long drives with caffeine or other stimulants.
Similarly, if you’ve been imbibing for the holiday, stay off the road. You could be arrested for DUI or cause an accident that results in injury or death. Even if it means waiting another day to get home, don’t drink and drive this Thanksgiving.
Injured in an Accident on Thanksgiving?
Put into practice, these Thanksgiving travel tips can save lives. Unfortunately, no matter the safety precautions you take, you can’t always control others’ reckless or negligent behavior. If you do find yourself in a car accident this Thanksgiving holiday, contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys. Our New Mexico personal injury lawyers understand how overwhelming an injury accident can be, and will handle all of your legal needs so that you can focus on recovery.
You can reach us by phone at (505) 544-4444, communicate with a LiveChat representative online, or submit a free case review 24/7. Alternatively, you can visit our Albuquerque office during regular business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In addition to winning billion-dollar results for our clients, Lerner and Rowe treats every client with the respect that they deserve. Contact us today and you’ll find out why we’ve become one of the most trusted personal injury law firms in the nation.