Every year when Thanksgiving comes around, many people across the United States travel back home or away from home to spend the holiday with family, friends, and other loved ones. It is no surprise that during this time the airports become more crowded. Even though flying is often the best and quickest way to travel during this time, studies show the chosen method of travel during Thanksgiving is by car.
This is because it is the season in which gas prices go down in most states across the nation and, as a result, air travel decreases slightly, as well. The large group of people wishing to travel by car during this time will cause rental car prices to go up because of the increase in demand.
More Traffic, More Risk of Accidents
Since more cars will be on the road during the Thanksgiving holiday, the risk of getting into a car accident logically increases. There are several factors that contribute to this increase including speeding, bad weather conditions, and driving under the influence. Moreover, many more people are driving during nighttime hours, whether going to or coming back from a holiday party or trying to quickly get back home after a family gathering, making drivers tired and distracted.
Statistics show that the Thanksgiving holiday has the second highest time incidence of deaths caused by drunk drivers. The Thanksgiving holiday is only second to New Year’s Eve, which is the deadliest holiday of the year when it comes to car accidents. In fact, ABC Channel 7 News reports that Orlando, Florida ranks third among the top 10 most dangerous cities for Thanksgiving travel. It is not uncommon for law enforcement to have stricter patrolling on the highways, including sobriety checkpoints across the state. Aside from drunk driving, other major factors that contribute to fatal car crashes include speeding, nighttime travel, bad road conditions due to weather, and distracted driving.
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How to Stay Safe During Thanksgiving
The Department of Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has several tips –
- Only drive sober: Alcohol in any amount impairs all of the necessary skills that are required to drive safely. Impaired faculties include judgment, vision, reaction time, and concentration. For this reason, always plan ahead to find a safe way home every time – whether that means designating a driver or calling a ride service.
- Check the air in your tires: A vehicle’s tires are often the first line of defense when you are on the road. Tire pressure, tread depth, and a useful spare tire are all things that should be looked at before going on a long road trip. Additionally, avoid overloading your vehicle as it can cause premature wear and tear and even blowouts.
- Wear a safety belt: Making sure you are using a seatbelt every time you get behind the wheel or when you have passengers in your vehicle not only keeps you safe but it is mandated by Florida law. All passengers under the age of 18 must wear seat belts and/or appropriate child restraints, including child and booster seats. This must happen every time, with everyone, as research shows that it saves lives.
- Update or register your emergency contact info: This is a secure system that allows law enforcement both local and national to contact designated family members or friends to respond in the case of an emergency.
- Obey and observe all posted speed limits: Because how fast you can legally drive may change as you drive through different roadways and states, make sure you are adjusting your speed as you go. In the state of Florida, the speed limit will never go over 70 miles per hour.
Statistics show that the Thanksgiving holiday has the second highest time incidence of deaths caused by drunk drivers.
Florida Car Accident Lawyers
If you or someone you know has been hurt in a Florida auto accident, contact the personal injury attorneys at Bogin, Munns & Munns. Click here to schedule your free personal injury consultation today.
NOTICE: The article above is not intended to serve as legal advice, and you should not rely on it as such. It is offered only as general information. You should consult with a duly licensed attorney regarding your Florida legal matter, as every situation is unique. Please know that merely reading this article, subscribing to this blog, or otherwise contacting Bogin, Munns & Munns does not establish an attorney-client relationship with our firm. Should you seek legal representation from Bogin, Munns & Munns, any such representation must first be agreed to by the firm and confirmed in a written agreement.
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Car AccidentDUI / DWISpeed Limit / Traffic LawsThanksgiving
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