Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching, and if you are one of the tens of millions of Americans preparing to travel by car to visit family or friends, now is the time to start planning for a safe arrival. Each year, hundreds of Americans are fatally injured and thousands more are seriously injured in car accidents over the Thanksgiving weekend. Sadly, this is only the beginning of the most dangerous time of year for drivers. At Galfand Berger LLP, we encourage everyone to travel smart and stay safe throughout the holiday season by following the simple tips below.

Plan Ahead

• Perform a maintenance check on your vehicle to ensure it is safe for long-distance travel. Inspect the tires, brakes, wipers, headlights and taillights at least one week before your trip so that you have time to make any necessary repairs.
• Keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency and put it in your glove box or center console where it is less likely to be a distraction. Never text and drive.
• As the number of vehicles on the road increases, so does the number of accidents. For the upcoming Thanksgiving weekend, the busiest travel days are the Wednesday before and Sunday after the holiday.
• Pre-program your GPS and have a printout of directions as a backup. Alert others as to when you are leaving and your expected route, especially if you will be driving at night or along remote or rural roads.
• Long car rides can be tough for most children – and their parents. Pack a few snacks and keep kids busy with activities so that you can stay calm and focused on the road. Portable DVD players, coloring books, and travel games are good options.

Avoid Common Driving Hazards

• Long-distance travel increases the risk of a drowsy driving car accident. Make sure you are well rested before heading out, particularly if you will be traveling alone. Monitor yourself for signs of fatigue such as heavy eyelids, drifting out of lane, missing an exit or forgetting the last few miles traveled. If you experience any of these, pull over to a safe location and rest.
• Emotions tend to run high during the holiday season. Stress caused by heavy traffic and family issues may cause some to engage in risky driving behaviors such as speeding and aggressive driving. Never get behind the wheel if you are feeling agitated or stressed. Take a walk to cool off instead.
• Never drink and drive. Every year, the number of drunk driving car accident fatalities spike during the Thanksgiving weekend. If you know you will be drinking, make arrangements to stay the night or designate a sober driver to get you home safely. Avoid driving between midnight and 3 a.m., when most drunk driving accidents occur.

Our attorneys and staff send our best wishes for a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday.

Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP Represent Injured Accident Victims and Their Families

If you have been seriously injured or have lost a loved one in a car accident caused by negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP to schedule a free consultation with one of our compassionate and highly skilled team members by calling 800-222-USWA (8792) or contact us online.