Thanksgiving means people and families across Florida will get on the road to visit friends and family for a holiday dinner or for the weekend. With increased traffic on the road comes an increased risk of accidents. Below are some tips to follow to help keep you safe and reduce the risks of getting into an accident.
Read more: What To Do If You’re Injured In A Car Accident As A Passenger
Make Flexible Travel Plans
Planning ahead and having flexible travel plans can ensure that you don’t end up in a traffic jam or rushed for time, which can often increase stress in drivers and lead them to speed, tailgate, or otherwise drive carelessly or recklessly. If possible, try to leave for your destination early to both avoid peak traffic and to give yourself a time buffer to ensure you arrive at your destination by your intended arrival time. Also make sure that you have prepared directions to your destination (if necessary) so that you don’t have to distract yourself with a map, navigation unit, or cell phone while behind the wheel; it can also help to have alternate routes planned to your destination in case you hit traffic or roads under construction that can delay you.
You may also want to consider making plans to leave the following day if your Thanksgiving dinner or party goes late into the night, especially if you traveled to your destination that day. You don’t want to try to head home while fatigued or drowsy after a long day.
Read more: FAQ: Uninsured And Underinsured Motorist Accidents In Florida
Make Sure Your Vehicle Is in Good Order
Before getting on the road, make sure your vehicle has had its required maintenance (including oil changes and brake replacements) and check your vehicle’s fluids, tires, headlights, and turn signals. It can also help to have an emergency breakdown kit in your vehicle, including water, blankets (if you will be somewhere that gets cool at night), gloves, flashlights, hazard triangles or flares, and portable cell phone chargers.
Read more: How Negligence May Have Caused Your Thanksgiving Accident
Take Rest Breaks on Long Trips
If your trip will take several hours, it is also a good idea to pull over at regular intervals for a rest break to stretch, get some fresh air, use the restroom, or have a snack. Rest breaks can help keep you alert and focused and reduce your stress while behind the wheel.
Be Patient
If you do end up in heavy traffic, don’t let the frustrations of being delayed or late cause you to engage in aggressive or unsafe driving, such as speeding, tailgating, making unsafe lane changes, attempting dangerous passes, or running red lights or stop signs. Your friends or family who are having you for Thanksgiving would rather you get to their home late than not at all!
Read more: 5 Steps To Take After Being In A Car Accident In FL
Don’t Drink and Drive, Otherwise Have a Designated Driver
If alcohol will be served at your Thanksgiving dinner or party, you should make sure that you don’t get behind the wheel while still intoxicated. This means either refraining from alcohol, designating a driver or staying overnight so that you can leave refreshed in the morning.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in Florida
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in Florida? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Lawlor, White & Murphey represent clients injured because of car accidents in Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Weston, Pompano Beach, Plantation, and throughout Florida. Call 954-525-2345 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2211 Davie Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, as well as offices in Pembroke Pines, Weston, Coconut Creek, Plantation, and Pompano Beach.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.