Thanksgiving is right around the corner and it feels like the best time of the year. But if there’s delicious food, family, football, and relaxation during the holiday, there is nightmarish traffic and unpredictable weather too to handle. If you are one of those 54 million people in the U.S. who is planning to hit the roads during the Thanksgiving weekend, you need to do a little homework to uncover all kinds of insights and avoid the notoriously clogged roads.
It’s no secret that roads are packed over the holiday weekend. Excessive traffic increases the chances of road rage and accidents. Dealing with the consequences of a car collision can be quite challenging. Our Baton Rouge car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of L. Clayton Burgess have more than two decades of experience in handling car accident cases. This holiday weekend, seize the opportunity to enjoy sightseeing, indulge in delicious food, and experience other fall sensations by being safe on the road. We, therefore, suggest a few tips to beat the traffic on Thanksgiving. Let’s take a quick look:
>> Don’t hit the road on Wednesday afternoon:
Across the city of Baton Rouge, the navigation data is clear: traffic usually peaks at night before Thanksgiving. The worst time to travel before Thanksgiving is from 4 pm to 7 pm on Wednesday. So, avoid hitting the roads unless necessary. For a quieter and less stressful experience, traveling on Thanksgiving Day is a much better option. Again, while returning from your weekend getaway, make sure you avoid the roads on Sunday afternoon and choose to travel on Sunday morning or early on Monday. Adhering to these timings will help you avoid the worst of Thanksgiving traffic.
>> Ensure that your car is full of fuel:
The last thing you would want on Thanksgiving is to get involved in a car hassle. For a safer and more peaceful ride, get your car checked and fuel it up a day or two before you leave. This way you’ll have one less thing to worry about on the day of Thanksgiving.
>> Choose to take an alternative route:
Though the interstate may seem like one of the easiest and most direct ways to reach your destination, it’s advisable to take an alternate route. Traveling through the back roads may take a little longer to reach the desired destination but you will enjoy a peaceful and hassle-free journey. Also, it’s more pleasant to drive across rural roads than get stuck in heavy traffic.
>> Drive cautiously:
More cars on the roads mean increased chances of accidents. Numbers show that the death toll tends to rise over the Thanksgiving weekend. It’s, therefore, essential to make sure that you adopt immense care while driving. Here are a few tips for driving cautiously:
- Take frequent breaks whenever possible
- Check and remain prepared for unpredictable weather conditions
- Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you
- Check and plan your route to ensure that you do not have to change lanes suddenly
>> Carry extra snacks
Driving hungry and getting stranded in a traffic jam will only make you angrier. Take time to stop for a cup of coffee. Getting refreshed at regular intervals will help you reach your destination faster.
If you try and follow these precautionary tips during the holiday weekend, you will for sure reduce the chances of being involved in a road accident. However, even after adopting all these measures, you could still find yourself involved in a road accident. And dealing with the aftermath of a collision is even more excruciating. If you or your loved one gets involved in a fatal crash, do not hesitate to get in touch with seasoned lawyers. Our Baton Rouge car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of L. Clayton Burgess are adept at representing victims in all types of car accidents.
