Are you taking a road trip for the Thanksgiving Holiday? Many families will be traveling over the long holiday weekend to visit loved ones or take advantage of the time off to begin the winter holidays with a family vacation. Whether you are traveling across town or across the country, you can expect to encounter heavy traffic over the long Thanksgiving Holiday weekend. Below are several tips that can help make your holiday travel more enjoyable and safe.
Safety Tips for Holiday Road Trips
When you are traveling by car around the holidays, it is important to keep these safety tips in mind when preparing to leave and while you are on the road:
- Never drink and drive! The holidays are a time of celebration, and many people like to enjoy their favorite holiday alcoholic beverages. If you consume alcohol as part of your celebration, let someone else do the driving.
- Always buckle up! Whenever you are in a vehicle, buckle your seatbelt and make sure all passengers are buckled up. Children need to be secured in a child safety seat that is designed for the child’s age, weight, and height. Seat belts and safety seats save lives and reduce the risk of severe injuries in a car crash.
- Leave early! You will encounter holiday traffic, so you need to be ready for that. By leaving early, you are less likely to become stressed or tempted to speed to make up time.
- Play holiday music! Driving in holiday traffic can be stressful. Try to avoid becoming an aggressive driver by listening to holiday music. Remember, everyone is trying to get to their location too, so tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and becoming angry will not accomplish anything but increase your risk of a traffic accident.
- Avoid distractions! There are more cars on the road, and people are in a rush. You need to be alert to avoid potential collisions because other drivers are distracted. Put down electronic devices and focus on the road ahead.
- Take breaks! When driving for long periods, it is important to take regular breaks. Driving can be exhausting. You need to take breaks to avoid becoming overly tired or drowsy, which can increase the risk of an accident. Share the driving duties with another adult whenever possible.
- Pack some snacks, drinks, and games for the kids. Riding in a car can become boring very quickly. To keep children entertained and happy, you can put together small kits for each child with his or her favorite snacks, drinks, and games.
For more driving tips for the holidays, you can check the website for AAA Exchange.
New Orleans Car Accident Attorneys
We hope you have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving Holiday. If you are involved in a traffic accident, our NoLA car accident attorneys can help. We are here for you throughout the holiday season if you need a personal injury attorney.
Call Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to request a free consultation with a New Orleans accident attorney.