Many working Americans get a four-day weekend on Thanksgiving, which makes it the perfect time of year to visit loved ones. In fact, you have probably heard the oft-quoted statistic that the day before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year.
Although this figure is believable, it’s actually inaccurate. According to USA TODAY, there are a handful of days during the summer months that see more air travel and road congestion than Thanksgiving.
When it comes to the risk of injury and death, though, Thanksgiving weekend ranks at the top of the list. Forbes reports that the mortality rate in the United States spikes around the holiday and remains elevated for the rest of the season. The reason? Motor vehicle collisions and coronary events, both of which are mostly preventable.
If you were hurt in a preventable car accident with a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages. A Jackson car wreck attorney from Ballard Law, PLLC will help you fight for the maximum settlement, and if your case goes to trial, William E. Ballard has the litigation experience to represent your interests in court. Call 769-572-5111 to schedule a free case evaluation.
Read on to learn how you can reduce the risk of getting into a collision on Thanksgiving weekend:
- Avoid Drowsy Driving
Fatigue and alcohol have similar effects on the body, which makes drowsy driving just as risky as drunk driving. If you are planning a long road trip to see family, make sure you get plenty of rest the night before, and switch drivers frequently or pull over to take naps as needed.
- Plan Your Trip Around the Congestion
Try to avoid driving on peak travel days if possible. These include the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after it
If you must travel on these days, avoid driving at peak times. The day before Thanksgiving tends to be busiest between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., and the Sunday after has the most congestion between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- Get Your Car Serviced
Take your car to the mechanic for service before hitting the road to ensure it is in good working order. Experiencing a vehicle malfunction en route could result in a devastating collision.
- Eliminate Distractions
If you must use a navigation system to reach your destination, set it before the trip so you do not have to adjust it while driving. You should also avoid using your phone, reprimanding the kids, or playing with the stereo system because all it takes is a few seconds of distracted driving to cause a serious accident.
- Stay Home This Year
If you find the holidays stressful and overwhelming, you are not alone. Spending time with your entire family at once can be emotionally draining.
Why not opt to relax at home this year instead? You can make plans with all your relatives individually over the next few months so you can have more quality time with each one of them
Unfortunately, even if you follow the above tips, you have no control over the other motorists on the road around you. If you were hurt by a negligent driver in Mississippi, turn to Ballard Law, PLLC.
Call 769-572-5111 to schedule a free consultation with an injury lawyer in Jackson. You can learn more about car accident claims in Mississippi by visiting USAttorneys.
