Did you know that Thanksgiving is one of the most dangerous holidays to travel on? According to a study provided by the University of Alabama, the three days leading up to Thanksgiving are the most dangerous days to be on the road. In 2015, there was a daily average of 460 crashes on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. “AAA projects that 48.7 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this Thanksgiving—an increase of one million travelers compared with last year.”[1] Here are 5 helpful tips to help keep you safe on long drives:
- Make sure you’re well rested. It is better to stock up on sleep prior to your drive, than to feel tired while you are driving. Try to sleep at least seven hours of sleep the night before you plan to travel.
- Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water before your trip will give you maximum energy. Even though you may need to make more bathroom breaks, staying hydrated will keep you alert and refreshed.
- Sit up straight. Make sure your seat is altered to fit your body structure so that you are siting up straight. Sitting up straight will give you good blood flow and relieve tension from driving in a strange position.
- Keep your brain active. It will help you to stay awake if you keep your mind active. An audio book playing from your phone, podcast, or music can help you stay up.
- Plan your stops. Plan your stops in advance to avoid wasting extra time with unnecessary pit stops. Planning your stops also will make you get out of the car to stretch and do what you need to feel refreshed.
Make sure to drive safely this holiday season. If you are a victim of an automobile accident this Thanksgiving call Potter Burnett today.
[1] Source: https://newsroom.aaa.com/2017/12/holiday-plans-will-travel-record-breaking-107-million-americans-celebrate-holidays-away-home/