As Thanksgiving nears, millions of Americans are gearing up to spend time with loved ones. This year, nearly 80 million travelers are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home with a record 71.7 million of those traveling by car. If you’re planning to be among them, make safety the first stop on your journey.
To ensure a fun and memorable Thanksgiving road trip, follow these essential tips to ensure your holiday travels are smooth, safe, and stress-free.
Key Travel Tips for a Safe Thanksgiving
1. Plan Your Departure Wisely
The busiest travel days are expected to be Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons before Thanksgiving, with heavy congestion continuing through the weekend. To avoid the worst traffic, consider traveling on Thanksgiving Day itself. Not only will you encounter fewer vehicles on the road, but you may also enjoy a more relaxed journey.
For real-time updates, traffic apps like Waze or Google Maps can help you navigate congested areas. Additionally, local news outlets often provide traffic alerts and weather forecasts that can significantly impact travel plans.
Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car
Date | Worst Travel Time | Best Travel Time |
Mon, Nov 25 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Before 11:00 AM |
Tue, Nov 26 | 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Before 10:00 AM |
Wed, Nov 27 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Before 10:00 AM |
Thu, Nov 28 | Minimal Traffic Impact Expected | Minimal Traffic Impact Expected |
Fri, Nov 29 | 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM | After 1:00 PM |
Sat, Nov 30 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Before 1:00 PM |
Sun, Dec 1 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Before 1:00 PM |
Mon, Dec 2 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Before 8 AM / After 7 PM |
2. Check the Weather
3. Take Breaks
Long drives can be exhausting. Schedule regular breaks to stretch and refresh. Drowsy driving is dangerous and can lead to accidents, so make sure you’re well-rested with a good night’s sleep before setting off on your journey. Drowsy driving is one of the most overlooked dangers on the road, reducing reaction times, impairing focus, and even leading to “microsleeps” that can cause serious accidents. Protect yourself, your passengers, and others by prioritizing alertness. Follow these key tips to stay safe and focused behind the wheel:
- Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7–8 hours of rest before a long trip; teens need this too, as they’re especially prone to sleep deficits.
- Avoid Alcohol: Even small amounts can increase drowsiness and impair judgment.
- Check Medications: Review labels for drowsiness side effects before driving.
- Time Your Drive Wisely: Avoid the peak drowsy periods of midnight–6 a.m. and late afternoon.
- Take Breaks: Schedule regular stops to stretch, refresh, and nap if needed.
- Use Caffeine Strategically: Coffee can help short term but doesn’t replace proper rest.
4. Avoid Distractions: Keep Your Eyes on the Road
Distractions, especially from cell phones, are a major cause of accidents. Drivers using phones are four times more likely to crash, and even hands-free use can lead to “inattention blindness,” where up to 50% of road details are missed. Avoid texting, browsing, or taking calls while driving. The safest choice is to pull over before using your phone for any reason. Prioritize your focus on the road to protect yourself, your passengers, and others. Eliminating distractions can significantly reduce your risk and ensure a safer journey this holiday season.
5. Do a Pre-Road Trip Check of Your Vehicle
A safe trip starts with a reliable vehicle. Before hitting the road, take time to inspect key components:
- Tires: Check pressure, tread depth, and look for signs of wear or damage.
- Fluids: Ensure oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering, and windshield washer fluid are at proper levels.
- Brakes: Test them for responsiveness and unusual noises.
- Battery: Confirm it’s charged and the terminals are clean and secure.
Consider taking your car to a mechanic for a free or low-cost pre-trip checkup for extra peace of mind. Preventative care now can save you from unexpected breakdowns later.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Car Accident
- Ensure Safety: First, check for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call emergency services immediately.
- Call the Police: You should always call 911 to request an officer to respond to the scene even though some cities no longer have police officers respond to minor or non-injury vehicle accidents. The best practice, regardless of the severity of the collision, is to have the police respond and document the accident with a police report. The police typically gather valuable information needed for injury and/or property damage claims.
- Document the Scene: Gather information such as photos of the scene, the vehicles, and the drivers and passengers in the vehicles involved. Also, get witness statements and contact information, as well as police report information like the police report number. This documentation can make or break your case if legal proceedings were to follow.
- Get the Driver Information: It is imperative that you get as much information as possible on any drivers involved in the accident especially if there are more than two vehicles involved. The most important information to be gathered is from the at-fault driver but similar information should be obtained from any driver involved. You should ask for the following information: name, driver’s license number and issuing state, address, phone number and insurance company name and phone number plus the policy number. If you ascertain that the driver is not the owner, you should also attempt to get the name, address, and phone number of the vehicle owner.
- Contact Your Insurance: Notify your insurance provider about the incident as soon as possible to initiate the claims process.
- Seek Legal Advice: If you believe another driver’s negligence caused the accident, consult with an experienced car accident lawyer like our team here at The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare. They can help you navigate the complexities of your case and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Hit by a Car or Truck Over Thanksgiving? Contact The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare Today.
We hope that these tips help you plan for a safe and memorable road trip ahead. If you are involved in a car accident this Thanksgiving and believe the other driver was at fault, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced car accident attorneys, based in Carrollton and Dallas, are here to guide you through your legal options, giving you the peace of mind to focus on what matters most—your recovery and time with loved ones.
Wishing you a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
