Another Thanksgiving is just around the corner, which means millions of travelers will be taking to the roads to enjoy some food and fellowship with family members and friends. But every year the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA; www.nhtsa.gov) warns motorists that Thanksgiving travel can be very dangerous. Unfortunately, thousands of people still get killed or injured on U.S. roadways during the 5-day Thanksgiving travel period. (1) To help ensure that your Turkey Day is more enjoyable, use these driving tips from the experts.
Even though alcohol-related motor vehicle fatalities have dropped appreciably during the past decade, traffic accidents caused by drunk drivers still killed over 10,800 Americans in 2017. (1) Unfortunately, accidents involving drug-impaired drivers are on the rise, so please don’t operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. And, that includes prescription medications and over the counter cold remedies that make you drowsy.
In anticipation of more traffic congestion and accidents, plan-ahead accordingly for your trip. Here are some ways to do so:
“Click it or ticket” laws are in place because seatbelts save lives. The NHTSA estimates that in 2017 alone nearly 15,000 fatalities were prevented during motor vehicle crashes because occupants were wearing seatbelts. (1) And, always make sure that your little one is properly buckled up in a child safety seat before hitting the road.
Distracted driving-related crashes are also becoming more common, so reduce your odds for becoming a statistic by taking these safety precautions:
With all the Holiday traffic it’s easy to get agitated. Don’t let your frustration carry over to your driving habits. That means obeying the posted speed limits, especially in construction zones, and giving the vehicle in front of you a one-second cushion for every 10 mph that you’re traveling. Also adjust your speed accordingly when driving in poor weather conditions, like on ice and snow. If you’re starting to feel stressed out, pull over at the next exit and let someone else take the wheel for a while.
Before embarking on your trip, get your vehicle checked out by a reliable mechanic to make sure it’s road ready. Prior to your trip, do your own maintenance inspection that includes:
There’s always a chance that you’ll get stranded along the roadside on your trip, so pack your vehicle with an emergency kit that contains these items:
The Carwise team wishes all Americans a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving Holiday. If you’re involved in an accident, you can promptly find expert auto body or glass repairs by using the nationwide Carwise referral network. All collision repair shops listed on Carwise are I-CAR and ASE-certified, which means they have the services, state-of-the-art equipment and highly trained technicians necessary to restore your ride like new again promptly and reliably.
Search your zip code now for a customer-reviewed auto body or glass repair shop nearby: www.carwise.com.
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