Posted: November 20, 2018
The weather forecast looks cold and snowy for the holiday weekend in Norfolk, Omaha and the surrounding areas. This weather, combined with increased volume on the roads, means you'll need to practice caution and patience if you are traveling by motor vehicle for Thanksgiving. For tips on car accident prevention, please read below.
Tips for Accident Prevention
Gas prices have fallen recently, which is likely to mean many people will feel encouraged to travel to visit family over the long weekend. AAA estimates about 49 million people will hit the road to travel for Thanksgiving. Here are several tips to drive safer:
- Leave early. The feeling of running late can easily lead to speeding, carelessness and poor driving judgement. Allow extra time to arrive at your destination and accept that traffic will likely be worse over the holiday weekend. Preparing yourself mentally can make a big difference for patience behind the wheel.
- Don't drive distracted. Reading and/or sending a text takes your eyes, hands and mind away from the task of driving. Don't text and drive. Other distractions include talking on a phone, adjusting navigation, eating, drinking and personal grooming.
- Be aware of potential increased DUI risk. With holiday parties happening across the greater Omaha and Norfolk areas, there's a good chance that drunk driving may increase over the next several days. Keep your eyes on the road so you can respond to unexpected motorist behavior. If you suspect a driver is drunk, you can report them to the police.
- Plan breaks. Taking a longer road trip for the holiday? Plan to stop and take a break from driving every hour or two. You should stop in a safe place, like a rest stop or store parking lot. Get out and stretch, letting your eyes relax their focus. Doing so will help you stay alert and be better prepared for what the road throws at you.
- Increase following distance. You should always follow at a safe distance, even in stop-and-go traffic. You should increase following distance as speed increases and/or as weather dictates.
- Drive in a manner appropriate for road conditions. Snow, ice, cold and wind are all possible factors you may face on the road this Thanksgiving. Slow down when road conditions deteriorate. Use your lights when visibility lowers. If weather becomes severe, consider exiting the highway until conditions improve.
- Consider roadside assistance. Roadside assistance companies will come to you if you have car trouble. This may be a worthwhile investment, particularly if you are going on a road trip away from home.
With a little patience, preparation and attentiveness, you can reduce your risk of an accident. Keeping yourself and your passengers as safe as possible will also prevent injuries to other motorists you share the road with.
If You're in a Car Accident
Please call our experienced, compassionate attorneys if you or a loved one is injured in a car accident anywhere in Nebraska. We know and understand how overwhelming your situation is. We provide clear, honest information about the choices you have to pursue maximum compensation for your injuries. To arrange a consultation, please call Copple, Rockey, McKeever & Schlecht in Norfolk and Omaha at 402-371-4300.
