Texas Injury Lawyers Blog
Thanksgiving weekend is the most traveled holiday period of the year with almost 90% of those traveling doing so by car.
To lessen your chances of becoming one of the statistic this year, here are a few things to keep in mind:
• Seat Belts: Keep yourself safe and ticket free by wearing a seat belt.
• Speed: Speeding is a common cause of accidents and you run the risk of a speeding ticket.
• Wednesday
Avoid Wednesday or be on the very top of your game when driving for most of the travelers who are going long distances will be leaving after work on Wednesday evening.
• Sunday
Most drivers will wait until Sunday afternoon to return home -things to consider: 1) Additional Drivers on the road going to or returning from Sporting Events
2) Drivers who are drowsy after eating big meals (Turkey contains Tryptophan, which is used as an ingredient in over-the-counter sleep aids.)
3) Drivers who have consumed alcohol while engaging in the above.
Take these actions to remain safe on the road:
• If you can arrange your work schedule, try to leave on Tuesday and return either on Saturday or Monday when traffic is lighter and safer. If not get on the road before Sunday Afternoon.
• Give yourself plenty of time.
• Get enough rest and don’t try to drive when you would normally be asleep.
• Swap driving duties with a companion
• To remain alert, stop every 2 hours or 100 miles.
• Don’t depend on caffeine or “energy drinks” to take the place of sleep. When they wear off, you will fall asleep.
• Understand that traffic will be heavy and don’t let your frustrations tempt you to take chances.
• Check for weather conditions along your route and leave earlier if necessary.
• Wear your seat belt!!! Seat belts are proven to save lives and prevent injuries.
• Make sure children are secured in an approved child safety seat.
• Children over 4 years of age are taken out of child seats too soon; their bodies are too small for seat belts to work effectively. Be sure any child under 4’9″ in height is secured in a booster seat.
• Don’t give into the temptation to speed. It won’t get you there that much faster and it can lead to a ticket or worse, a collision.
• Use your cruise control to prevent speeding.
• Understand that driving is a complex task and it takes all your concentration.
• Eat light to prevent drowsiness.
• If you need to make a phone call, pull off the road and keep your call short.
• Don’t answer your cell phone while driving. Let your cell phone take a message and pull off the road to answer your calls.
• Don’t text and drive!!! Taking your eyes off the road for just a second or two can have tragic consequences.
• Don’t consume alcohol!! Buzzed driving is the same as drunk driving.
Have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving.