Thanksgiving Holiday Road Safety Checklist | November 2017
FLORIDA—DID YOU KNOW that total crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period, defined as the ten days beginning the Friday before Thanksgiving Day and ending on the Sunday after Thanksgiving Day, increased 18 percent from 2013 to 2015? From 2013 to 2015, fatalities during the Thanksgiving holiday period increased 27 percent. The number of total crashes on Thanksgiving Day increased 46 percent from 2013 to 2015. Alarmed by these significant increases, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (“DHSMV”) sprung into action, implementing an education campaign initiative that works to educate the public regarding all aspects of safe driving during the holidays.
Here’s a quick checklist adapted from Florida DHSMV’s campaign initiative to help ensure we all Arrive Alive this Thanksgiving:
Make sure all passengers are buckled up at all times
Children often like to lay across the rear seat when sleeping on long trips and get out of their seatbelts. Instead, children should be in the proper child restraint seats at all times.
Be aware of changing speed limits
The limit in Florida will never be higher than 70 mph.
Eliminate distractions
Keep your hands on the wheel, eyes on the road and mind on driving. Let your co-pilot help you navigate or change the music.
Don't drive drowsy
Take a break every 100 miles or two hours.
Move over for stopped emergency vehicles - it's the law!
Keep your car doors locked and windows rolled up
At stop signs or traffic signals, keep a safe distance from the car in front of you
Don't stop in underpopulated areas to ask directions
Travel on well-lit and busy streets.
When getting out of your car, take your purse and keep other valuable out of sight
Do not store valuables out in the open inside a parked car.
Lock your doors when you leave your car, even if it's for a short time
If you need to pull over...
Stop in a safe place, out of the roadway and away from traffic. Turn on your emergency flashers. If you have emergency roadway flares in your trunk, position them conspicuously. Raise the hood and tie a handkerchief to the aerial or door handle. If a roadside telephone or call-box is handy, use it. But if not, sit in your locked car and wait for help. Also, if a motorist stops to render assistance, it’s better to remain in the car and ask him to get help. Finally, if you see a stranded motorist, it’s better not to stop. Notify law enforcement.
If you are involved in a minor crash...
Do not get out of the car. Some criminals use a crash to get you to stop and get out of the car. Call law enforcement to report the crash. Lower your window slightly and ask the other party to phone the police or follow you to the nearest public area or police station. If you’re suspicious that the crash was staged, drive directly to the nearest law enforcement office to report the crash.
From all of us here at Tripp Law Firm, we wish you and your family a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
If you or a loved one are injured during the Thanksgiving Holiday due to the negligence or improper conduct of another, call TRIPP LAW FIRM – Personal Injury Law at (727)398-2900 in Pinellas/Pasco County, (863)666-0380 in Polk County, and (407)850-8680 in Orange/Osceola/Seminole County, for an immediate, confidential case evaluation. There is NO Fee and NO Costs if we do not obtain a Recovery for YOU!
At the TRIPP LAW FIRM, we have the necessary experience to protect you and your family’s legal rights and pursue the appropriate damages. Don’t hesitate to call us. We answer our phones 24/7/365. The injury law team and staff private investigators at the TRIPP LAW FIRM are ready on a moment’s notice.
TRIPP LAW FIRM – Personal Injury Law – Available 24/7
Reference(s)
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, ARRIVE ALIVE: Road Trip Checklist & Safety Tips (Nov. 1, 2016), available at https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/holiday/road-trip-check-list-and-safety-tips.pdf.
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