Everyone knows that Thanksgiving is a time for friends, family, and celebration. But, it is also one of the busiest travels weeks of the year. Millions are expected to be on the road making the trip to homes throughout the country. So here are a few tips for you and your family to consider when making the journey this Thanksgiving.
1. Make sure that vehicle is in good travel condition. Be especially sure to have your tires and brakes checked for any issues as well your fluids.
2. Make sure to stop for gas when reaching a quarter of a tank. Although it may take more time to travel, millions will be on the roads this holiday season which means heavy traffic. Therefore, you may be in the car longer than you estimated which could cause you to run out of gas faster than you expected. Calling for gas will take a lot more time than to just stop and fill up.
3. Do NOT get distracted in “stop and go” traffic. Also called “bumper to bumper” traffic, just because you are slowed down does not mean that you should get distracted and check your phone or mess with the radio. Car accidents in "stop and go" traffic can still occur.
4. Be rested and make sure you are alert. Make sure to stop when you are tired and do not push yourself just to save some time. As you get more and more tired, your motor skills can diminish. It is okay to stop and change drivers for some of the trip. Keep yourself and others safe by making sure you have rested enough to drive properly.
5. Be prepared for the weather. Make sure you are prepared to drive on different terrain. Especially if you are driving from the south to the north. Driving on snow is much different than driving on dry pavement. Be prepared for that.
6. Make sure to be alert for all traffic signs. You are driving in areas that you may not be familiar with. Stay alert for traffic signals and signs. Nothing is worse than starting out a holiday with a speeding ticket.
7. Keep your family updated. At rest stops, make sure to call or text your family to let them know where you are and what your travel plans are going to be. In case there is an emergency and they cannot get ahold of you, it is important that they have an idea of where you are so they can send help or be by your side.
8. Do not rush. Stay patient as the holidays are supposed to be fun. There will be delays and some traffic but do not get frustrated and make poor decisions on the road. You and your family’s safe arrival is most important.
9. Review your route before you go. Make sure you have an idea of where you are going and how to get there. Do not just rely on the GPS. Have a backup plan in case there is bad traffic or weather.
10. Buckle Up! Just because it is a long trip does not mean you should ignore the law and not wear a seatbelt. We know at times that seatblts can be uncomfortable, but for your safety, anytime you are in the car you should be wearing a seatbelt.
We hope that you review these step before making the trip this Thanksgiving. As always, if you or someone you know is involved in a car accident, we would be glad to assist. Our attorneys are available 24/7, even on holidays. Contact us at (727) 845-5972. We wish all of you a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving!
Nicolette R. Nicoletti
Managing Partner
Nicolette R. Nicoletti is the founder and managing partner of the Nicoletti Accident Injury Lawyers. She was born and raised in New Port Richey, Florida. Nicolette attended Genesis Preparatory School and graduated salutatorian of her class. She then went onto Saint Leo University for her undergraduate education. She graduated magna cum laude from the Honors Program with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. While at Saint Leo University, Nicolette was President of Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science Honor Society), Secretary of Alpha Phi Sigma (Criminal Justice Honor Society), and an active member of Delta Epsilon Sigma (National Scholastic Honor Society).
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