Avoiding Car Crashes on Thanksgiving 

 Posted on November 09, 2022 in Car Accidents

The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that more than 500 people could die on American roads during the Thanksgiving holiday period because of the increased number of travelors on the road and the frequency of alcohol consumption at most family gatherings. Approximately 29 percent of motor vehicle accident fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver during Thanksgiving. Insurance research and analysis website ValuePenguin states that Texas is the 17th most dangerous state for people to drive in during Thanksgiving with a holiday motor vehicle fatality rate of 1.58 per 100,000 residents.

Being involved in a crash can lead to painful injuries and heavy financial burdens, including medical expenses and vehicle repair costs. Any person dealing with injuries after a car accident this November should quickly seek the help of a Waukegan car accident attorney.

As people all over Illinois prepare to hit the road for the holidays, now is as good a time as any to review some common safe driving tips for throughout the holiday season. Many car accidents stem from people becoming distracted while trying to do other things behind the wheel, so try to stay focused on what your primary task is while you are driving.

Steps to Take During Thanksgiving

When you are preparing to hit the road for Thanksgiving, here will be some good things for you to keep in mind:

• Plan Accordingly — When you are making a long trip, know what time you are arriving and whether you will be encountering rush hour traffic. If that is the case, you may want to try to leave a few hours earlier to avoid traffic issues.

• Check Your Vehicle — Always begin taking steps to look over your car before and after trips in November because even minor issues can become major problems if they remain unaddressed. You should always have your mechanic provide a full review of your vehicle’s condition when possible.

• Keep a Winter Emergency Kit — You never know when you might be caught in the middle of a snowstorm, so pack in preparation for such a situation. Have blankets, shovels, and snacks and phone chargers ready.

• Get Your Rest — You do not need to drive through an entire long journey on the road. Feel free to take breaks at assorted rest areas along the way. 

• Always Choose a Designated Driver — All holiday functions are much more likely to involve alcohol, and you should plan ahead for a person who will remain sober to be your driver at night. A designated driver is a person who stays sober, not the “least drunk” member of a group.

Contact a Lake County Car Accident Lawyer

Thanksgiving is going to see a number of people coming to and going from Illinois, meaning many more people will be involved in motor vehicle accidents. A Waukegan car accident attorney at Salvi & Maher, LLP will be able to help you understand all of your legal options after any crash causing serious injuries. 

Our firm serves clients throughout the greater Lake County area. Call 847-662-3303 or contact us online to take advantage of a free initial consultation. 

Sources: 

https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/holidays/thanksgiving-day

https://www.valuepenguin.com/deadliest-states-drivers-holidays