How to Prepare for Thanksgiving Travel
One of the busiest periods of the year for travel is Thanksgiving. A whopping 54 million Americans took to the nation’s roads, skies, rails, and waterways for Thanksgiving in 2018, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). With so much movement, though, travel can be unpredictable.
It is important to plan ahead and stay aware to stay safe during Thanksgiving, whether you are driving or flying across the country. Every year, the heavy congestion and late-night driving of Thanksgiving traffic can test patience and cause accidents.
In fact, the Texas Department of Transportation reports that the days around Thanksgiving usually show an increase in the number of car accidents. Many are due to speeding, distractions and intoxication. Keep these risks in mind when planning and preparing for safe holiday travel.
Below are some safe Thanksgiving travel tips to navigate the road more safely and keep the holiday weekend running smoothly.
When to Travel for Thanksgiving to Avoid Traffic
Timing can make a big difference when it comes to Thanksgiving travel. For example, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is generally the most congested day for travel over the holiday weekend, with late afternoon being especially crowded. The best times to leave or return are:
- Tuesday
- Wednesday morning
- Saturday
- Sunday morning
Travelers that choose to fly out of major airports may also face long lines to check in, so planning extra time onto your travel plans can prepare for the unexpected.
Road Trip Safety Tips for Thanksgiving Travel
Driving is the most common form of Thanksgiving travel, so extra vigilance toward road safety is important. Even if you are familiar with a route, you should stay aware. More traffic means out-of-town drivers and more distractions to increase risks.
Prior to getting on the road, you should inspect your vehicle. It’s time for new tires if a tire gauge shows tread depth less than 2/32”. Many auto shops offer seasonal maintenance checks in November, and scheduling one before Thanksgiving can help you travel with more confidence.
A cause of many car accidents during Thanksgiving travel is fatigue, which can cause:
- Long drives
- Early departures
- Late-night returns
Make sure to plan for rest breaks every few hours to help you stay alert, especially on long Texas highways.
If possible, try to rotate drivers and bring water or snacks. Distractions in the car, whether phones or passengers, can take attention off the road. One of the leading causes of crashes during holiday travel is distracted driving, so limited phone use and staying focused can reduce tat risk.
How to Prevent Car Accidents During the Holidays
Congestion, sudden slowdowns and impatient drivers are common around this time of year. Because of that, you should give yourself extra time to reach your destination to avoid trying to rush or speed.
If you expect heavy traffic on your Thanksgiving road trip, using a GPS can help to get around crashes or find alternate routes. In many cases, rerouting can save time or reduce stress if you get around a slowdown or a commercial vehicle accident.
The Texas weather can be unpredictable with early cold fronts and slick roads. Make sure that your headlights are on and increase following distance in these hazardous situations for lower driving risks.
There are also DWI risks during Thanksgiving weekend on the road. Celebrations and visiting can lead to time and judgement being affected by alcohol. If you or someone you know is traveling with plans to drink, there should be a sober driver or rideshare option.
Airport Travel Safety on Thanksgiving
Driving is not the only option for holiday travel, and airports across the country can be extremely busy during Thanksgiving weekend. Arriving early can help avoid the stress of rushing around and give yourself time for long lines or delays.
Keep your belongings organized and easy to access to help reduce the time of security checks. With spilled drinks and crowded hallways, airports can also have an increased risk of slip-and-fall incidents during holiday travel.
Stay aware of your surroundings to reduce the chances of injury over the holidays. If you have gifts, pack them unwrapped to avoid security delays. If you travel with food, make sure it adheres to TSA guidelines.
Packing Tips for Thanksgiving Travel
Knowing how to pack efficiently is essential for holiday travel, especially with multiple family members. Organizing everything you need can help a trip go more smoothly, like:
- Medications
- Chargers
- Travel documents
- Snacks
- Chargers
- Entertainment
- Clothes
When driving, keep any important items within reach instead of trying to find something buried in luggage. If you have kids in the car, keep items for them accessible to avoid unnecessary distractions or stops.
If you decide to fly, pack liquids properly and keep valuables in your carry-on. Lost luggage and delays may not be common, but they can happen according to holiday travel safety statistics.
Thanksgiving Travel Safety Tips for Families
A common challenge for families with children is restlessness in the car or airport. Setting early expectations and bringing entertainment can help the trip feel more enjoyable. Regular breaks to stretch or use the restroom can also be useful.
If you have elderly family members in the car, consider their comfort and mobility needs on the road. Include extra time for boarding plans or taking breaks into your planning. Pet owners also need to think ahead.
Make sure your pets have food, water and identification tags. Proper pet carriers are also important, unless you decide to board your pets or leave them with someone you trust over the holiday.
Reducing Stress During Thanksgiving Travel
Depending on the length of your trip, Thanksgiving travel can be a mental minefield of stress at the wheel. Staying calm during delays or congestion can keep you safer on the road. Some options to help are:
- Play music
- Listen to podcasts or audiobooks
- Keep snacks and drinks handy
- Take breaks
A calm mindset can contribute to safer driving, which is important for holiday weekend travel.
What to Do After a Car Accident During Thanksgiving
No matter how much planning is involved, accidents can always happen. If you get in an accident during Thanksgiving travel, safety should come first.
- Move to safe area, if possible
- Check for injuries
- Call 911
- Exchange information with the other driver
- Take photos of the scene
Documenting everything can be important for an insurance case. Many travelers visit family far from home, so dealing with an accident on top of the holiday travel stress can feel overwhelming.
Talking to a personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights, especially if the crash involved a commercial vehicle or an impaired driver. The Carlson Law Firm helps injured travelers understand their options and find compassionate support during the holidays.
How to Prevent Car Accidents During the Holidays Return Trip
Sometimes, the traffic at the end of Thanksgiving weekend can have as much traffic as the start. Fatigue often sets in after celebrations, food and family. You should check your vehicle again and get rest before making the trip home.
Stick to well-lit routes on the way back and avoid late-night driving as much as possible to reduce the risks of a car accident. Holiday travel safety statistics suggest that heavy traffic patterns tend to repeat every year.
Paying attention to travel forecasts can help you pick a safer time to travel and avoid crowded roads.
Thanksgiving Travel Safety Checklist
Thanksgiving travel can be stressful and busy, but planning ahead with holiday driving safety tips can make a difference. Important things to keep in mind are:
- Take your time
- Stay patient
- Avoid distractions
- Use a GPS
Whether you are visiting loved ones in another state or hosting a gathering, awareness can keep you safer. If an unexpected accident interferes with your plans, remember that help is available.
The Carlson Law Firm supports individuals and families dealing with difficult circumstances during the holidays and throughout the rest of the year. Contact us today for a team that cares, and have a great holiday!
About The Carlson Firm
The Carlson Law Firm is a nationally recognized personal injury law firm dedicated to delivering compassionate, client-focused legal representation. Known for achieving record-breaking results, we’ve recovered billions by handling cases involving auto and trucking accidents, workplace injuries, defective products, dangerous drugs, nursing home neglect, birth injuries, wrongful death, family law, criminal defense and more. Our team is committed to securing justice and meaningful recovery for individuals and families impacted by negligence and injustice.
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