53.4 million people will travel for Thanksgiving this year according to AAA’s forecast. This marks a 13% increase over 2020 and finds travel for the holiday within 5% of pre-pandemic levels – when traffic was increasing year over year.
According to AAA, 48.3 million people will travel by car to their Thanksgiving destination, marking the highest number of motor vehicle travelers since 2018. Another 4.2 million will travel by air, while 1.02 million will use a train, bus, cruise ship, or another form of transportation. But many of those not traveling exclusively by personal vehicle will have to use one to begin their travels, which will add to traffic congestion on the Wednesday before and the weekend after Thanksgiving.
Perhaps you are traveling for the holiday, but even if you are staying local, the increase in traffic will impact your drive. It is important that you rise to the occasion by recommitting to safe driving habits that can help you avoid causing an accident.
How to Drive Safely
The first step to driving safely is to avoid those things that cause the most accidents. In Florida, those are distraction and intoxication. The latter is simple: if you are going to drink, don’t drive. Even one drink can impact your ability. The second is more involved and requires that you avoid cellphone use along with other habits, like eating while driving, and similar types of distraction, keeping your eyes and attention on the road at all times.
In addition to staying sober and paying attention, you can help reduce your crash risks by:
- Allowing extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you
- Avoiding aggressive and erratic driving behaviors
- Signaling intent
- Following traffic signs and signals
If you are traveling on the busiest days, the 24th – 28th, be sure to allow for extra time to get to your destination. Taking time, remaining calm, and being generally courteous can will help keep you and everyone you share the road with safer.
Call Our Office if You Need Help
If you are injured during your Thanksgiving travels, Kelleher Law is here to help. Give us a call at 833-546-3675 to schedule a free consultation and learn more. We maintain offices in Naples, Fort Myers, and Atlanta, GA. We serve all surrounding areas of Florida.
