Florida Injury Lawyer Blog
Our roadways are expected to be packed for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Wednesday before Turkey Day is expected to be the worst travel day of the entire weekend, reports Florida Today.
“If gas prices weren’t as low as they are, things probably would have been flat compared to last year. With the low gas prices, people have more incentive to travel,” said Jim Bak with INRIX, a traffic-congestion tracking firm in Kirkland, Washington.
Our Fort Myers car accident attorneys understand that the national average for a gallon of gas is about 21 cents lower than it was about a year ago. With all of us itching for a vacation, and travel more affordable than ever, you can expect millions to hit the road and get out of town for the holiday weekend. Since Thanksgiving always produces a high volume of traffic, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) will increase its presence on Florida roadways during the upcoming five-day holiday period.
“We just ask that everybody drive responsibly,” said FHP Lt. Steve Preston. “Obey the speed limits, refrain from drinking and driving and don’t drive aggressively.”
Seatbelt and child-restraint laws are major components of this holiday’s enforcement plan, according to FHP and local police. But this is a time where we should be focusing on more than just the basics. You want to make sure you’re abiding by speed limits, driving defensively and staying sober.
-Be prepared. Bring supplies in the event of an accident or medical issue. Stock your car with an emergency kit-especially a flashlight, blanket, first-aid kit, and some basic tools. Also, bring water and extra snacks, just in case.
-Try to plan your trip for off-peak hours so to avoid some of the holiday travel congestion and delays.
-Be aware of changes in weather: Weather conditions across the U.S. will be changing – especially during early mornings and evenings with the cold. Watch for ice, snow and other weather related obstacles.
-Utilize less congested highways. Major highways and interstates often have major traffic issues but roadways less traveled have fewer problems. Traveling the lesser frequented highways may have a longer mileage but the true savings could be time.
-Check the car – Is your tire pressure low? Do you need an oil change? Will chains be required for the snow and ice? Is your battery in good shape? Are your fluids at the right levels? Many times, we take these things for granted. However, holiday traffic and bad weather can bring out the worst in people – and our cars. Make sure your car is ready for the trip.
-Generally the traffic is much lighter across the U.S. on Thanksgiving Day itself, meaning that you can avoid the hassle of traffic the day before and get where you’re going without having to leave at a strange hour or risk sitting in traffic for hours. Unless you are traveling an extreme distance, leaving at 6 am Thursday morning should give you more than enough time to make it wherever you are going in time for dinner.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a traffic accident, call Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. Call 1-800-283-2900.
More Blog Entries:
Tired Drivers Increase Southwest Florida Traffic Accident Risks , Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, November 15, 2013
Join Associates and Bruce L Scheiner at Cape Coral Bike Night, Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, November 14, 2013
