Thanksgiving may be one of the year’s most joyous celebrations, but it is also a dangerous time to drive. According to AAA, more than 55 million Americans travel over Thanksgiving, which leads to heavy traffic and increases the risk of an accident.
In addition to servicing your vehicle and packing an emergency kit, there are several steps you can take to stay safe on Arizona roads this Thanksgiving. If you wind up being the unfortunate victim of a negligent driver, then the Rudolph & Hammond Law firm may be able to help.
A Scottsdale accident attorney can evaluate your case and determine if you may have valid grounds for a lawsuit. If so, then we will guide you through the claims process. Call us today at 480-951-9700 to schedule a consultation.
In the meantime, consider the following tips before you travel on Thanksgiving:
- Always Buckle Up
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, all drivers and passengers are required by law to wear a seatbelt in most states. This is for a good reason: Safety belts can prevent serious injuries in the event of a crash.
Make sure that everyone in the car is wearing a seatbelt at all times. If you have young children, then ensure they are the suitable size for safety belts, and if not, purchase an appropriate car seat for the journey.
- Do Not Drink and Drive
Drunk drivers cause a significant percentage of serious crashes in Arizona each year, and many of these accidents happen over holiday weekends. If you are planning to celebrate Thanksgiving with a few drinks, then make sure you do not drive until you are completely sober. Make alternate plans to get home via taxi or with a designated driver, or stay overnight at a hotel and drive home in the morning.
- Avoid Peak Hours
Traffic over Thanksgiving can be particularly hectic, so plan your trip outside of peak hours for your region. Transportation analysts, along with Google Maps, recommend get on the road in the early mornings on the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving. If you are driving after Thanksgiving, then leaving early Friday morning is ideally best. Google Maps has predicted, based on previous years’ trends, that the holiday traffic will spike on Black Friday around 4pm.
- Drive Cautiously
Avoid the temptation to speed or drive recklessly in order to get to your destination. Many accidents happen because drivers are impatient or because they take unnecessary risks.
Rather, take it slow and get to your destination safely. If you stick to the speed limits, reduce distractions in your car and drive defensively at all times, then you will be less likely to get into an accident.
If you were in a crash in Arizona, then contact the Rudolph & Hammond Law Firm today. A Scottsdale auto accident attorney will guide you through the claims process. You may be entitled to compensation to pay for health-care bills and lost wages. To schedule a consultation, call us today at 480-951-9700.