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Thanksgiving Travel Safety Tips

On Behalf of | Nov 16, 2017 | Firm News

Pittsburgh Car Accident Lawyers fight for victims of driver negligence and offer Thanksgiving travel safety tips.

Thanksgiving is one of the most popular American holidays with millions of people driving to meet their friends and family to celebrate. Unfortunately, this also means heavy traffic on all roads throughout our communities and more car accidents, some of which result in serious or fatal injuries to passengers. By preparing for your trip and planning ahead, you can avoid common travel mishaps. Each year, the AAA is called to rescue hundreds of thousands of motorists, mostly due to preventable reasons. Below is a list of safety tips you can use so that you will not be one of them.

Be Prepared

Perform a safety check of your vehicle early by checking your brakes, tires, and wipers for wear. Make sure headlights, tail lights, and brake lights are clean and functional. Charge your battery and check fluid levels. It is best to do this a week or two before you plan to travel; that way if repairs are needed, you have time to do them without delaying your trip.

Check the safety gear in your car. Must haves include a first aid kit, basic tools, extra food and water, blankets and warm clothes, shovels, an ice scraper and sand, and a flash light with extra batteries. You should also have a phone charger and charging cord.

Safe Driving Reminders

Start your trip well-rested, as many car accidents are caused by drowsy driving. For long trips, try to share the driving with someone. If this is not possible, then pull over to rest frequently.

Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you are unable to drive, turn over the keys to the car.

Distracted driving is a major factor in many accidents today due to the technology available in cars. Program the navigation system before you leave your driveway. Do not text or use your cell phone while driving; and if you must make a call, let a passenger take over the phone for you.

Leave extra time for travel to account for holiday traffic and always stay within the speed limit. Speeding causes many accidents, and if you are speeding through work zones, penalties are much higher. The pressure to get to your destination can also lead to aggressive driving.

Wear your seatbelt and insist that your passengers also comply. Many serious head and neck injuries are caused by failure to use safety devices when driving. The risk of fatal injury is lowered by 45 percent just by buckling up.

Pittsburgh Car Accident Lawyers at AlpernSchubert P.C. Fight for Victims of Driver Negligence

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Call 800-243-6095 or 412-765-1888 to speak with an experienced Pittsburgh car accident lawyer from AlpernSchubert P.C. or contact us online for a free consultation. From our office in Pittsburgh, we serve clients in Allegheny County, Washington County, Lawrence County, and throughout western Pennsylvania.