Related: Thanksgiving Travel Brings Challenges To The Roads
Busier roads
The American Automobile Association predicts that 46.9 million Americans will be on the roads this holiday. They also believe those Americans will be traveling over 50 miles from home. If you’re among these people, make sure your car’s in good, working condition, you have a full tank of gas, everyone is properly wearing their seat belt and that you follow the speed limit.
Apart from busier roads, this season is the busiest travel time every year. Unfortunately, it’s also the deadliest. Around Thanksgiving season in 2012, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recorded a total of 764 crashes that involved a fatality. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the death rate in December 2013 rose to 5% from November 2013. Even doctors acknowledge that the death rate increases this time of the year.
Never drink and drive or drive distracted
Every Thanksgiving, about 33% of road fatalities are alcohol-related. While this is one of the happiest celebrations of the year, please never drink and drive or drive distracted. Thanksgiving is definitely a dangerous time to be on the roads. However, these crashes are always preventable. You can reduce the odds of a crash by:
- Allowing more time to get to your destination.
- Going the speed limit.
- Never drinking while driving.
- Put away distractions, like cell phones.
- Properly wearing your seat belt.
- Being aware of your surroundings.
Related: Getting A Ride Home After Drinking Can Save Lives
As a Kentucky Car Accident Attorney, I hope that everyone drives carefully this holiday season (or your flights go smoothly if you’re flying). Also, please expect Kentucky police officials to be more visible. They’re increasing their law enforcement to help curb driving deaths and to save lives. Let’s drive safely and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!