Is Thanksgiving a Dangerous Time for Travel?
Rising airline ticket costs are causing more people to drive rather than fly — something that is likely to put even more people on the road this Thanksgiving.
As Thanksgiving approaches, most people start making plans to celebrate with their loved ones or perhaps squeeze in one last vacation for the year. As you prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, it’s important to stay safe — especially if your plans include road travel.
As New York City auto accident lawyers, we help people who have been hurt in serious motor vehicle accidents. If you have been hurt in a car or truck accident, getting legal help right away can improve your chances of receiving full and fair compensation in your case.
Thanksgiving Is a Deadly Time to Drive
Although many people associate New Year’s Eve with car accidents, there are actually more fatal car accidents in the days preceding Thanksgiving. Deadly motor vehicle accidents peak on the Wednesday before the holiday due to a sharp jump in travel. For example, over Thanksgiving 2014 there were 764 deadly car accidents and another 50,000 non-fatal crashes. Safety experts say that rising airline ticket costs are causing more people to drive rather than fly — something that is likely to put even more people on the road this Thanksgiving.
What You Can Do to Reduce Your Risk of an Accident
If your Thanksgiving plans include a road trip or even just a drive across town, you can take steps to ensure you are not involved in a traffic accident.
Give yourself enough time. The holidays can be hectic, but it’s important to slow down — especially behind the wheel. If you plan your route before you leave, and give yourself enough time to get there without speeding, you are much less likely to feel frazzled during your drive. Studies have shown that people are more inclined to exhibit road rage behavior when they are running late. Avoid this type of anxiety by making sure you factor in enough time to get where you’re going safely.
Get enough sleep. The holidays can also be exhausting. If you drive drowsy, however, you increase your risk of being involved in a serious car crash. Research has shown that sleep deprivation can be just as deadly as driving intoxicated. One study found that going 18 hours without sleep is the equivalent of a .05 percent blood alcohol concentration. If you stay awake for 24 hours straight, it’s like driving with a .08 BAC.
Don’t drink and drive. It’s common to toast the season with a glass of wine or other alcoholic beverage, but it’s important to enjoy alcohol responsibly if you plan to drive. A report released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals that 40 percent of individuals killed in car accidents over the 2012 Thanksgiving holiday were either intoxicated or passengers in a vehicle operated by a drunk driver.
New York City Auto Accident Law Firm
Call New York City auto accident lawyer, Jonathan C. Reiter, to get a free case evaluation today. You can reach us through our online contact form, or by calling 866-324-9211.
Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, PLLC
The Empire State Building
350 5th Avenue #6400
New York, NY 10118
T: (212) 736-0979
Source: Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, PLLC