Thanksgiving is a happy holiday where some of us get to share delicious food with our closest loved ones. It’s a little known fact that Thanksgiving is one of the biggest days of the year for risk of a car accident. Scores of people will take to the roads this November 26th, we want to share with you how to make it to your destination without being injured in a car accident.
Inattention Will Cause a Car Accident
Since a number of people will be traveling to other family members and friends’ homes this year to celebrate Thanksgiving, there’s a good chance you may car pool. The best way to avoid a car accident is to pay attention to the road. Carry on a conversation with your passengers, but make sure you’re aware of dangers in the road or the flow of traffic so you don’t end up being injured in a car accident.
Put Your Phone Away
It’s a proven fact that many teens and adults believe they are able to drive safely while texting or using their mobile devices. Nothing could be further from the truth! Texting and driving is on par with being just as dangerous and drinking or using drugs while driving. When you are using your mobile device while driving, your eyes will be off the road for an average of 5 seconds per text. That’s the equivalent to driving the length of a football field at highway speeds WITH YOUR EYES CLOSED. Don’t end up ruining your Thanksgiving with a car accident. Put the phone down – it can wait.
Watch Your Speed
A Thanksgiving car accident is more likely to occur if you are speeding. The speed limit on area roads is meant to allow you to get to your destination as quickly as possible, without putting yourself or others in danger. You are more at risk of a car accident if you’re speeding because it is more difficult to stop in a timely manner and easier for you to lose control of your vehicle.
Wear Your Seat Belt
Although wearing your seat belt will not prevent a car accident, it can help your chances of not being injured in a car accident if you wear one. 6 out of every 10 people killed in a Thanksgiving car accident will not be wearing their seat belt.
Drive Sober
30% of drivers involved in a fatal car accident are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate the good things in life – just make sure to do it responsibly. If you plan on drinking, designate a driver so that everyone in your vehicle is safe from being involved in a car accident with an impaired driver.
Thanksgiving Car Accident Statistics
- Most car accident occurrences happen between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
- From 2003 – 2007, 78 drivers were killed and 2,957 drivers were injured in a car accident on Thanksgiving
- 1 person is killed in a car accident every 8.5 minutes on Thanksgiving
- The #1 factor contributing to fatal Thanksgiving car accidents is speed
