Tips for Safe Traveling in Portland this Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is about being thankful for what you have and for the people, places, and things that make our lives better. For many people, Thanksgiving involves traveling, either across town or across the country, in order to spend time with those we love. Amid the celebrating of this holiday weekend, it is important to make safety a priority in terms of getting to where you are going for the big Thanksgiving feast, as well as for venturing out to explore, shop, or party once you get there.

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel holidays of the year, and the increase in the number of people coming and going translates into an increase in the number of travel-related accidents. By being prepared and following a few general safety tips, you can make sure that both you and your loved ones have a happy, fun-filled, and safe Thanksgiving weekend.

Traveling Over Thanksgiving

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), over 45 million people make plans to travel 50 miles or more on Thanksgiving in order to spend time with loved ones and friends each year. Close to 90 percent of those traveling will chose to do so by car in order to get where they want to go. Be prepared for your journey by following these Thanksgiving road safety tips from AAA:

• Perform routine maintenance and get your car inspected by your mechanic before you go. Check your tires, brakes, and battery, and make sure you have the proper fluid levels. Remember to check your windshield wipers and window washer fluid level too.
• Plan the route you will take in advance, and check with the Department of Transportation for road construction projects you might encounter.
• Realize that traffic is inevitable. If traffic is something you do not want to deal with, avoid traveling the day before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after the holiday, which is when the greatest numbers of people are on the road.
• Have roadside assistance available in case you need it, and keep an emergency preparedness kit in the car, which includes items such as a flashlight, flares, blankets, gloves, water, and snacks.
• Make sure your phone is completely charged before you go, and let family or friends know when you plan to arrive at your destination and the route you will be taking to get there.

Avoiding Dangerous Driving Behaviors

Regardless of whether you are headed out for a weekend road trip or simply going for an evening on the town, follow these road safety tips from the American Red Cross to prevent accidents over the holiday weekend:

• Do not drive when you are tired or exhausted. Pull over, or spend the night with relatives, friends, or in a hotel.
• Do not drive distracted. Put away cells phones and avoid texting while driving.
• Observe the speed limit, and avoid going either too slow or too fast.
• Avoid tailgating, improper passing, or other aggressive driving behaviors.
• Wear a seatbelt, and insist all passengers do the same.
• Do not get behind the wheel if you have been drinking or if you are taking prescription medication that could impair your judgment.

Get Legal Help

At the Johnston Law Firm, we wish you and your loved ones a happy and safe Thanksgiving. If you or someone you know is hurt or injured as the result of a car accident, contact our experienced Portland car accident attorneys. We are here when you need us, to help you to get the compensation you deserve. Serving Portland and the surrounding areas, we can help. Contact our office today at 503-546-3167 for a free case review.