As many people are already acutely aware, Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times of the year for road travel. Holiday traffic is expected to be very heavy this weekend as people hit the road to spend time with family and friends over the holiday. If you are planning on driving over the Thanksgiving weekend, remember to exercise caution at all times.
Busy roadways present greater opportunities for car accidents. Rear-end accidents are common on packed streets. Distracted drivers, fatigued drivers who are drowsy after long distances, or impatient drivers stopping at nothing to reach their destinations are other hazards that put themselves and other drivers in danger of an accident. These are just some of the reasons why tens of thousands of people are injured or are killed in preventable car accidents on U.S. roadways each year.
We at the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley remind holiday drivers to be extra vigilant on the road this weekend. There are a few things that you can do before and during your journey to make your trip a little safer. These include:
- Make sure your car is in good working order before driving. This includes checking the condition of your tires and replacing if necessary, or ensuring that headlights, taillights, and even windshield wipers are in working condition. Many accidents occur as a result of maintenance issues, so taking a moment to check your car can be a huge step towards ensuring the safety of your family.
- Ensure that you have a full night’s sleep before starting your journey. If your trip is a long one, punctuate the trip with rest and refreshment breaks so that you don’t get drowsy or impatient behind the wheel.
- Don’t speed! It is not worth compromising the safety or yourself, your passengers, and others to drive unsafely.
- Check local traffic before you leave and periodically during your trip, if possible. Staying current on traffic conditions can help you avoid the worst traffic areas. Of course, do not check GPS systems or phones for this information while you are driving. Always pull over to a safe location first.
The Caltrans Highway Information Network (CHIN) is a great way to stay informed about traffic conditions throughout the state. Information can be accessed by calling (800) 427-7623.
The Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley wishes you and your family safe travels this holiday season!
If you have been injured in a car accident, call our office for more information on filing a personal injury claim. To speak with a Northern California car accident attorney about your case and how much it may be worth, call us today at (530) 413-0245.