With gas prices still at some of their lowest points in years, transportation officials anticipate that more people will choose to hit the road for Thanksgiving this year. In fact, the American Automobile Association estimates that more than 40 million Americans will drive at least 50 miles from home at some point during the Thanksgiving weekend. Unfortunately, with more folks on the road, the risk of accident and injury escalates. Here are some tips to help make this holiday a safe one.
Plan Your Trip in Advance
If you don’t know exactly where you are going, it’s best to study the route before you go and know when and where you’ll change course. Even though you’ll probably have GPS on your phone and may even have Siri to guide you in, experts say that one of the principal causes of motor vehicle accidents is unfamiliarity with a specific roadway. Your GPS can only give you a little bit of advanced warning of a turn or change in direction. Trying to make that sudden turn can put you in harm’s way.
Don’t Overload Your Vehicle
Your car will tell you how much weight you can carry. The more you haul, the more difficult you vehicle may be to handle, especially in an emergency. Furthermore, don’t pack things loosely throughout the vehicle. In a sudden stop, loose items can become projectiles.
Give Yourself Extra Time
You know in advance that there will be a lot more traffic on the road, so you need to put a cushion in if you need to be somewhere at a specific time. In addition, prepare for traffic slowdowns or even traffic jams.
Avoid Distractions
One of the principal causes of motor vehicle accidents is distracted driving. Let one of the passengers do anything that needs to be done on a device, including adjusting music, taking phone calls or looking up directions. Make certain your traveling companions, especially children, have plenty to keep them occupied, so they don’t pull your attention off the road.
Contact Attorney Howard D. Popper
To learn your options when you have suffered a personal injury, contact our office online or call attorney Popper at 973-993-8787. We have offices in Morristown and Newton, but will come to your home or the hospital, if necessary. There is no charge for your first consultation.
We handle all personal injury claims on a contingency basis. You won’t be charged any legal fees unless attorney Popper recovers compensation for your losses.