Thanksgiving: a time for turkey, travel, and traffic.
With so many additional drivers on the road during the holiday weekend, it’s no surprise that areas across the U.S. experience increases in traffic. But that’s not all: a new study published by the Law Offices of Canon & Dunphy indicates that in most states, the likelihood of a fatal crash is higher than the annual daily average.
If you are planning to drive during this time, make sure to practice general driving safety habits and take a few extra precautions. These 5 tips will help ensure you, your family, and other motorists travel safely this Thanksgiving holiday.
Don’t Drink and Drive
While this rule is nothing new, it’s as important now as always. Maybe even more so: recent studies have found that the Thanksgiving period is the deadliest holiday on the U.S. roads, and the night before Thanksgiving has become associated with drinking in recent years. It’s also associated with travel for millions of Americans.
If you drink at all during the weekend, always have a designated driver or another safe and sober ride home planned. A few minutes of planning ahead can save lives, including yours.
Don’t Drive Drowsy, Distracted, or Dehydrated
The turkey coma is a favorite part of Thanksgiving for many, but it can seriously impair your driving abilities. Always ensure that you are alert and awake before driving. If you start to feel drowsy while en route, always pull over to rest, or if you’re carpooling, switch seats with another sober, responsible driver.
Make sure to follow other best practices as well: put your phone out of arm’s reach (turn it off if you have to) and stay hydrated before and while you drive. Driving while distracted or dehydrated can cause you to make crucial errors that jeopardize your safety and the safety of fellow travelers around you.
Avoid Driving at Peak Traffic Times, if Possible
As anyone watching the traffic worsen on Google Maps knows, some periods are better for holiday traffic than others. Generally, times when the roads are more open with fewer cars correlates with a safer time to drive, simply because there aren’t as many variables. (This excludes late night/early morning times, when drunk driving crashes often occur). These times vary by location, but try to get creative with your travel times, if your schedule allows it. For example, leaving during the day on the Monday before Thanksgiving and returning home on Friday could allow for reduced traffic, in comparison to a plan in which you leave Wednesday evening and return on Saturday or Sunday.
Reduce Speed Slightly, Especially in Inclement Weather
Some people long for a cold or snowy Thanksgiving so they can enjoy being cozy and warm with family. While this is lovely, inclement weather means more difficult driving conditions. If you are driving on icy roads or in the rain, make sure to slow down by at least 10 miles per hour. This will reduce your chances of spinning out or hydroplaning. Never drive faster than conditions allow, even in areas with higher speed limits. Remember, speeding doesn’t save time in the long run, and it’s much more important to ensure you arrive at your destination safely.
Drive Defensively and Leave Extra Following Distance
Now that you know the statistics, you can be extra motivated to practice good defensive driving techniques during Thanksgiving. Expect the unexpected from other drivers and pay close attention to changing conditions. Driving with this defensive awareness will also help you stay alert and awake.
One specific helpful tactic is leaving ample following distance between your car and the vehicle ahead of you. Most experts consider the Three Second Rule to be a good standard for following distance, although you’ll want to increase the gap in inclement weather. Consider also the condition of your tires and brakes – if either are worn out, you won’t be able to stop as quickly and will need to allow greater distance. By being aware of the dangers and making sure you are following best driving practices, you are making the roads safer for everyone. You also increase your likelihood of enjoying smooth, incident-free travel this Thanksgiving holiday.