How to Stay Safe in 2020
Traditionally, Thanksgiving is one of the deadliest holidays for car accident fatalities, in large part because of the increased traffic on the road during this holiday weekend, because many drivers are driving on unfamiliar roads and traveling for long distances, and because there is a spike in the number of drunk driving accidents. Here’s what you should know about staying safe on the roads during Thanksgiving 2020–
Will COVID-19 Impact the Number of Car Accidents This Year?
As mentioned above, one of the top causes of car accidents during the holiday season is the upsurge in the amount of traffic on the road, which leads to congestion and increases the risk of a collision. This year, because of COVID-19 and social distancing precautions, the amount of traffic on the road during the Thanksgiving weekend is estimated to be far less than it’s been in previous years. However, that does not mean that car accidents will decrease. Sadly, data during the last few months has shown that while there has so far been less traffic during the pandemic, there has been a higher fatality rate. This is explained by the increase in risky behavior, such as speeding, performed by drivers who are acting less cautiously on the roads precisely because there is less traffic.
Tips for Staying Safe on the Road During the Thanksgiving Holiday 2020
If you’re traveling during the Thanksgiving weekend, don’t assume that just because there are likely to be fewer cars on the road than normal, you’re not at risk of being involved in an accident. Ways to stay safe on the road this holiday season include–
- Prepare for winter weather. Thanksgiving could be sunny and nice, or it could be cold with precipitation, snow, and ice. Before you hit the road, be sure that your vehicle is prepared and that you have an ice scraper, blankets, and a first aid kit inside of your car just in case. If conditions are bad, slow your speed and plan to take extra time to reach your destination.
- Drive defensively. One of the best ways to stay safe on the road is to assume that other drivers won’t be operating their vehicles as safely as you are, and to drive defensively as such. If you notice any unsafe drivers on the road, including potential drunk drivers, make a note of the make, model, and license plate number and call it in to the police.
- Have a DD. You know that driving while intoxicated is unsafe, but it may be tempting to get behind the wheel of a car after having a couple of drinks. To avoid the temptation, make a plan for a designated, sober driver before festivities begin. Everyone in your party drinking? Plan to stay the night or plan for an alternative way of getting back to your destination.
- Plan your route in advance. One thing that can lead to car accidents is confusion about which turns to make and where to go while driving. One way that you can get ahead of this and to mitigate accident risk is to plan your route in advance. And if you’re using a GPS device to help guide you, make sure that it’s mounted somewhere that you can easily view it near your dash and that hands-free operation is possible.
Call Our Law Firm if You’re in a Crash
If you are involved in a crash during the Thanksgiving holiday–or any other time–our Iowa car accident attorneys at the law office of the Telpner Peterson Law Firm, LLP will be ready to help you understand your rights, legal options, and next steps to take, For a free consultation, please call our law firm directly or send us a confidential message with more information about your case.