As the holidays approach, nationwide travel increases and that means that the roads become more dangerous places than they normally are. AAA projects that nearly 44 million Americans will travel 50+ miles via automobile during the Thanksgiving weekend. That much traffic can certainly increase the risks on the road.
There are few things you can do to make your tip safer:
1) Use alternative routes – If possible, avoiding the highway can reduce your risk of a devastating auto accident. The highways are the preferred routes for most drivers, but if you can avoid them, it will help cut down on congestion and potentially provide you with a safer, more relaxed drive. It is better to arrive safely than quickly.
2) Leave earlier – The sooner you can leave for your destination, the more likely you are to avoid the congested and most dangerous windows of travel. Wednesday travellers saw a 33% increase in accident alerts and a 20% increase in traffic jams. The sooner you can get on the road, the better.
3) Drive Safely – Many auto accidents can be avoided by simply driving more alert. Any time a driver is behind the wheel, they should employ defensive driving skills, but these disciplines should be especially in tact during holiday driving. Obeying the speed limit, wearing your seatbelt, and minimizing in-car distractions can do a lot to help prevent auto accidents.
If you do have an accident over the holiday season, our weight loss doctors and personal injury chiropractors are available to treat your auto accident injury so that you can begin your recovery. Be safe on the highways this holiday season.