Thanksgiving is a time to connect with family and friends, indulge in delicious food, and cheer on your favorite football team. Still, for many Americans, the holiday also means hitting the road to visit loved ones near and far. While Thanksgiving weekend promises joy and togetherness, it’s also one of the busiest and most dangerous travel times of the year. The increased traffic and travel activities significantly heighten the risk of accidents, particularly car crashes. Whether packing up for a road trip or catching a last-minute flight, it’s important to prioritize safety and be prepared for potential travel-related incidents. Understanding personal injury claims and how our Surviving Thanksgiving Safety: Holiday Accident guide could make a vital difference if the unforeseen happens.
Thanksgiving Day Holiday Period Estimate for 2024
The National Safety Council (NSC) projects that 502 people may lose their lives on U.S. roads during the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday period. Traditionally, holidays see families traveling across the country, with many opting for car travel, which has the highest fatality rate among primary forms of motorized transportation based on fatalities per passenger mile.
Additionally, holiday celebrations often involve alcohol consumption, a significant contributing factor to motor vehicle crashes. Thanksgiving Day is observed on the fourth Thursday in November, creating a 4.25-day weekend from Wednesday evening through Sunday. In 2024, the holiday weekend spans from 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27, to 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 1.
Navigating Personal Injury Claims
Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, disrupting your holiday plans and leaving you or your loved ones with unexpected consequences. Personal injury claims arise when someone suffers harm due to another party’s negligence or intentional actions. Injury claims aim to help individuals recover damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and other associated costs.
For travelers who encounter accidents, legal representation can guide you through the complexities of gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and ensuring your claims are filed within these timelines.
Common Thanksgiving Travel Accidents
Thanksgiving travel often leads to a spike in accidents due to the sheer number of people on the road, in airports, or busy public spaces. Here are some common holiday-related travel incidents to watch out for:
- Car Collisions: The increased number of cars on the road and holiday stress significantly raises the risk of crashes.
- Slip and Fall Injuries: Crowded airports and roadside stops may have uneven surfaces, wet areas, or other hazards.
- Overcrowding-Related Injuries: Packed terminals or rest areas leave less room to maneuver, leading to falls or other accidents.
Document any travel-related incident carefully. Consider gathering crucial details like photos of the scene, witness statements, and police reports. These can be indispensable when filing insurance claims or pursuing legal action later.
Staying Safe on the Road – Tips for Holiday Travel
Plan Ahead
- Check Traffic and Weather Reports: Stay informed about potential hazards on your route. Early awareness of delays or weather conditions can help you plan an alternate route or adjust departure times.
- Leave Early: Avoid rushing by giving yourself extra time to reach your destination. You’ll drive safely and arrive less stressed, ready to enjoy the celebration.
- Map Your Route: Know where you’re headed and plan stops. To reduce distractions, aim to minimize fiddling with the GPS while driving.
Stay Alert
- Get Rest: Sleep well before taking the wheel. Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Take regular breaks to stretch, refresh, and stay alert on long trips.
- Avoid Impairments: Before hitting the road, refrain from consuming alcohol or any medication that might impair motor skills. Appoint a designated driver if needed.
Drive Defensively
- Account for Other Drivers: Thanksgiving traffic includes others who may be in a rush or distracted. Stay mindful of your surroundings and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
- Expect the Unexpected: Be ready to react to sudden stops, lane changes, or other drivers who may not follow road rules.
Practice Defensive Driving
Driving defensively is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself on crowded and unpredictable holiday roads. Here’s how to stay focused and cautious as you travel this Thanksgiving.
Avoid Distractions
Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents, and with packed roads this holiday season, even a split second of lost focus can have serious consequences.
- Put your phone down and avoid texting or scrolling. Remember, it’s the law in Ohio!
- Program your GPS before you hit the road so you’re not fumbling with directions while driving.
- Keep your hands on the wheel and your attention on the cars around you always.
Watch for Impaired Drivers
Thanksgiving is a time for celebration, often accompanied by alcohol. Unfortunately, this means drunk driving incidents tend to spike during the holiday.
To avoid becoming a victim of someone else’s poor decisions, stay vigilant at night, use defensive driving tactics, and keep a safe distance between your car and others.
Don’t Be the Impaired Driver
While enjoying a few drinks at your family gathering may be tempting, driving under the influence is never worth the risk. The tragic outcomes of impaired driving affect far more than just your holiday plans—they put lives in danger. Stick to non-alcoholic beverages if you’re driving, or make alternative arrangements like using a rideshare service or staying overnight.
Follow the Rules of the Road
The hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving traffic can test your patience, but reckless driving only heightens your risk of an accident.
- Avoid tailgating, as it reduces reaction time in heavy traffic.
- Stay in your lane; frequent lane-switching rarely saves time and often increases the risk of collisions.
- Don’t cut people off or escalate road rage incidents. A little patience goes a long way in ensuring everyone’s safety.
Take the time to breathe deeply and appreciate the surrounding scenery—after all, the goal is to arrive ready to enjoy Thanksgiving.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Before embarking on a road trip, ensure your car is in top condition and equipped for surprises.
Check Your Car
A quick vehicle inspection can save you from needless headaches during your travel.
- Ensure tires are properly inflated and have good tread.
- Test your brake pads and vehicle lights.
- Fill your gas tank to avoid unnecessary stops along your route.
Pack an Emergency Kit
Unexpected situations can happen, so it’s best to be prepared. Essential items for a road trip include:
- A flashlight
- First aid supplies
- Water and snacks
- Jumper cables
- A portable phone charger
Buckle Up for Safety
It might seem obvious, but seatbelts save lives. Ensure everyone in your vehicle is buckled up before you begin your trip. A seatbelt won’t prevent an accident, but it greatly reduces the risk of serious injury in the event of one. Wearing a seatbelt isn’t just smart—it’s the law.
Major Risks During Thanksgiving Travel
While preparation and vigilance reduce your risk, there are five main hazards to be aware of this holiday season.
Increased Traffic
Thanksgiving sees a massive spike in road travelers, with millions crisscrossing the country to visit loved ones. More cars on the road mean a higher chance of collisions. To combat this, leave early to avoid peak traffic times and remain patient during inevitable slowdowns.
Bad Weather
Weather conditions like rain, snow, and ice can create hazardous situations depending on your route.
- Stay informed of weather forecasts and plan your travel accordingly.
- If driving through snowy or icy conditions, reduce speed and allow extra stopping distance. Be mindful of black ice, especially on bridges or shaded roads.
Drunk Driving
Alcohol-related crashes surge during Thanksgiving, particularly on “Blackout Wednesday,” the day before the holiday. According to recent reports, 184 car crashes during Thanksgiving 2022 involved at least one intoxicated driver. Always prioritize safety—drive sober or rely on a designated driver.
Drowsy Driving
Whether it’s the after-effects of a hearty Thanksgiving meal or the exhaustion of late-night travel, driving while fatigued can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. If you feel drowsy, pull over and take a break or switch with a co-driver.
Unfamiliar Surroundings
Navigating unfamiliar roads can be stressful, especially when combined with holiday chaos. GPS devices can be helpful, but don’t rely on them exclusively—familiarize yourself with your route in advance to minimize distractions.
Air Travel Hazards to Watch Out For
If you’re heading to the airport instead of the highway, you’ll face your own set of challenges this Thanksgiving. Busy terminals, large crowds, and heavy vehicle traffic around airports increase the risk of injuries. Common hazards include:
- Slips and falls from rushed crowds or cluttered or dirty floors
- Vehicle accidents in airport parking garages and drop-off areas
- Escalator or elevator malfunctions
To stay safe, allow extra time for your schedule and remain aware of your surroundings.
What to do After a Car Accident
Even the best precautions can’t eliminate all risks. If you experience an accident, follow these steps to protect yourself and your claim.
- Call law enforcement immediately to document the incident.
- Depending on safety conditions, assess whether you should remain in your car or exit.
- Exchange information with other drivers and note witness contact information.
- Take photos of the scene, including vehicle damage and road conditions.
- Get a comprehensive medical evaluation as soon as possible—even if your injuries seem minor.
- Follow any recommended treatments and avoid delaying medical attention, as this could weaken a potential claim.
Your Toledo Car Accident Lawyers
Dealing with the aftermath of an accident in Ohio or Michigan can be overwhelming, particularly when injuries result from someone else’s negligence. If you’ve been injured under such circumstances, contacting an experienced Toledo, Ohio, car accident lawyer is crucial.
At Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault, we’re here to help. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your legal options and protect your rights this Thanksgiving. Call your local automobile accident attorneys at 419-843-6663 to get started, or use our easy online contact form today.
If you are searching for “the best auto accident attorneys near me,” you can count on having the best car accident lawyers with Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault to represent you in a personal injury or wrongful death case. With a local Toledo auto accident attorney, help is just a phone call away.
Wishing You a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving
As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, we at Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault want to express our deepest gratitude.
To our clients: Thank you for entrusting us with your toughest challenges. We are honored to advocate on your behalf.
To our team: From attorneys to support staff, each of you plays a crucial role in our pursuit of justice. Your dedication is invaluable.
To our community: We are proud to be part of the neighborhoods we serve, whether through advocacy, partnerships or giving back.
Stay safe, cherish the moments that matter most, and enjoy a wonderful holiday season.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Kevin Boissoneault, is the President and Managing Partner of GT&B. He began his career at GT&B in 1992 and has built the Personal Injury section into one of the strongest and most successful firms in the region. His hard work and dedication as a compelling trial attorney and litigator has won many verdicts and settlements for his clients and their families. Kevin’s commitment to protecting those who have been injured through accident or negligence has brought justice for thousands of clients.
