Posted by: Henness & Haight Team

More than 45 million Americans plan to drive farther than 50 miles from their home during the Thanksgiving holiday. This represents a 3.3 percent increase from 2016, according to AAA.

With Las Vegas among the top-five holiday travel destinations in the U.S., Nevada’s roadways are likely to experience some congestion during the Thanksgiving weekend.

The experienced Las Vegas personal injury lawyers of Henness & Haight wishes you and your family a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday. If you are injured in a car accidentwhile traveling during the holiday season, you may be entitled to compensation for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Steer clear of holiday travel auto accidents with these travel safety tips:

Plan Your Trip Ahead of Time

An effective strategy to avoid auto accidents is to plan the route you intend to take before your trip. Preparing for your trip can help put you at an advantage in several ways, such as:

  • Knowing your total travel time to reach your destination; will allow you to plan enough time to reach your destination without rushing or compromising safety
  • Planning around peak traffic times in major cities along your route; avoid traffic and associated delays to arrive at your destination on time
  • Discovering construction along our route and other hazards that could add time to your travel
  • Identifying poor weather you may encounter on your trip and adding additional time to travel safely
  • Mapping alternate routes in case of delays so that adjusting your travel plan can be done easily in the moment

Perform Vehicle Maintenance

Be sure to take care of your vehicle prior to leaving so it can safely reach your destination. The following maintenance checks should be performed before your road trip:

  • Headlights, tail lights, brake lights and turn signals
  • Fluid levels – add fluid if levels are low
  • Windshield wipers, replacing if needed
  • Tire pressure
  • Tire tread
  • Battery and ignition system function
  • Thermostat, defrost and heating system
  • Exhaust system, to ensure proper functioning

Pack Emergency Supplies

Make sure your vehicle is equipped with emergency supplies in case of accident, poor weather or a breakdown. Keep the following items on-hand in your vehicle:

  • Ice scraper
  • Jumper cables
  • Cellphone charger and battery
  • Emergency radio
  • Cat litter to assist with tire traction
  • Blankets
  • Food
  • First aid kit
  • Prescription medicines
  • Flashlights
  • Basic tool set
  • Water
  • Pet supplies, if you are traveling with a pet

Keep contact information for your roadside assistance plan handy in case you experience a flat tire or breakdown during your Thanksgiving travel.

Top off your gas tank each time you stop to avoid running out of gas; never let the tank fall below one-fourth full.

Never Drive Drowsy

If you intend to drive for long periods of time during the Thanksgiving holiday, make sure you get plenty of rest the night before.

Drowsy driving can have the same effect on drivers as consuming alcohol. Sleep deprivation can significantly impair your decision-making abilities and reaction times.

If you begin to feel tired or drowsy while driving, pull over to a safe location and take a rest break. If necessary, take a 15 to 20-minute nap or step out of your vehicle and take a walk around to get some fresh air. If possible, allow a second driver to take over when you feel you need to rest.

Eliminate Distractions

Another travel tip our attorneys highly recommend is to cut distractions while driving during the Thanksgiving holiday. You may be able to avoid a serious auto accident by eliminating these common driver distractions:

  • Talking or texting on a cellphone
  • Chatting with passengers
  • Eating or drinking
  • Setting the radio or using electronics
  • Assisting children in the back seat

Never Drive Drunk

You should never drive after consuming alcohol. However, if you do plan to drink alcohol at your Thanksgiving celebration, be sure to arrange a safe way to get home prior to the party. This could include requesting a ride service, choosing a sober driver to take you home, or planning to remain at the party until the next day.

Be Patient with Other Drivers

With so many motorists planning to travel during the Thanksgiving weekend, it is likely that you will encounter traffic, delays, and bad driving along your route. Keep calm and remain patient in these situations. When drivers become frustrated, some may behave aggressively and recklessly by tailgating, cutting off other motorists, and speeding, putting everyone in danger.

Contact Our Las Vegas Car Accident Attorneys

If you or your loved ones plan to travel during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, make sure you prepare for your trip and drive safely.

If you are involved in an auto accident, do not hesitate to contact a skilled attorney for help filing an insurance claim against the at-fault driver. The seasoned car accident lawyers of Henness & Haight will fight to secure the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Contact us to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today. All cases are accepted on contingency, and you only pay us if we help you recover compensation for your claim.