There’s going to be even more people out there on our roadways over this Thanksgiving holiday, according to ABC7.
Most travelers are going to be driving instead of flying because of tight budgets. Everyone’s urged to be safe out there and to be on their best behavior to avoid an accident.
According to AAA, close to 44 million Americans will be traveling at least 50 miles from their home over Thanksgiving break. That’s up close to 1 percent from last year. Many believe that the increase is because of the lower costs at the pump. The national average cost for a gallon of gas dropped close to 40 cents over the last 30 days. AAA is saying there’s going to be even more decline before the holiday driving period ends with New Year’s.
Our Fort Myers car accident lawyers understand that the Thanksgiving holiday weekend is one of the most dangerous weekends to be out on our roadways. Thanksgiving may only be Thursday, but many workers get to enjoy Thursday and Friday away from the office, making for an extra-long weekend. During this time, we see a significant increase in the number of roadway fatalities. Drivers can reverse this trend though, and help to keep everyone safe. All it takes is a little awareness. Drivers need to be safe and courteous out there.
Officers throughout the state will be on the lookout for dangerous and irresponsible drivers. Over last year’s Thanksgiving holiday, officials with the Florida Highway Patrol handed out more than 9,000 citations. More than 7,000 were for speeding, more than 1,600 were for seat belt and child restraint violations and close to 100 were for drinking and driving. Troopers also helped out more than 3,500 by offering roadside assistance.
Officials with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) are here to help to keep you safe over the busy travel weekend with the following tips. Review them and share them with your loved ones to help to preserve everyone’s safety.
Holiday Safe Driving Tips:
-Make sure your car is ready to go. Check your tire pressure and the fluids under your hood before heading out.
-Make sure your windshield and your headlights are clean to increase visibility.
-Plan out your trip before departure. Pick the safest route possible and check weather conditions as well.
-Schedule in breaks every 100 miles or every 2 hours. This will help to keep you alert and awake behind the wheel.
-Avoid engaging in distractions. Driving is a full-time job that provides no room for error.
-Make sure you have emergency supplies in your vehicle. Keep a flashlight, a first-aid kit, some water and nonperishable food items with you.
-Be courteous. We all have somewhere to be. Let’s work together to get there quickly and safely.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, contact Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured. Call for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your case. 1-800-283-2900.
More Blog Entries:
Lee County Traffic Accidents & Low-Visibility Driving Conditions, Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, November 16, 2012
Florida Law Enforcement Targets Unsafe Drivers, Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, November 15, 2012