Thanksgiving is a time for reflection on the things we are the most grateful for in our lives. It should be a holiday for friends and 
family to connect and relax together, perhaps over a meal or outdoor activities when the weather is nice. This time of year should not be a time when family members have to deal with a loved one’s death or serious injury due to the negligence of someone else on the road.
Unfortunately, Thanksgiving has proven to be a deadly holiday for travelers on our roads year after year. In fact, in 2017, Thanksgiving was the second deadliest holiday after the Fourth of July largely due to accidents related to driving under the influence.
The National Safety Council predicts that 433 people may be killed and another 49,400 injured on our roads this Thanksgiving holiday if trends continue as they have in the past. That is potentially 433 families that will have to deal with the loss of someone they love during a time when they should be celebrating together, if someone who gets behind the wheel does not take proper safety measures. The statistical trends show that more than one-third of these accidents that lead to serious injury or death could be avoided if drivers did not operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
With the increase in the number of cars on the road for the upcoming holiday, we would like to offer a few safety reminders for anyone who gets behind the wheel.
- Do not drink and drive, even if you “only” feel buzzed. Driving under the influence is always a risk to your own safety and the safety of those on the road with you.
- Always wear a seatbelt. No exceptions.
- Limit distractions in the vehicle. If that means that you put your phone in the backseat to avoid the temptation to text, do it.
- No texting and driving, ever.
- Make sure all children are safely secured with either a seatbelt or in a car seat that is appropriate for their age and weight.
- Monitor how certain medications affect you, and never get on the roads if you feel like your medication makes you dizzy or disoriented, or if there is a warning on the label to avoid operating a vehicle.
- Always get enough sleep before a road trip and never get behind the wheel if you feel drowsy or fatigued. Better to be late to dinner than dead on the road.
- Get your car serviced before you hit the road to ensure that it is safe for the highway.
- Be extremely vigilant on the roads the night before Thanksgiving as this is usually a big night out for many folks. It’s become such a popular night for partying that it’s often referred to as Blackout Wednesday. Consider selecting a designated driver if you do decide to drink this night, or simply use the services of Lyft or Uber.
Please pay attention to our safety reminders and share them with your loved ones so that Thanksgiving can be a time to make positive memories together, not live with the regret of one negligent decision. We hope that all of our clients, family, and friends have a safe and enjoyable holiday.
References:
National Safety Council. (2018, November 14). National Safety Council: 433 People May be Killed on U.S. Roads this Thanksgiving Holiday. Retrieved from https://prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-safety-council-433-people-may-be-killed-on-us-roads-this-thanksgiving-holiday-300749902.html
