With a three-day weekend on the horizon, most of us will be driving on Thanksgiving Weekend and it is likely you will encounter heavy traffic and delays at some point on your travels. There will be an increased number of motorists on our roadways and you should plan accordingly. Whether you are driving a short distance or have a long drive ahead of you, it is so important to be prepared.
Here are some handy tips that we highly recommend you follow this Thanksgiving Weekend:
- Prepare your vehicle for the drive ahead. Top up your windshield wiper fluid and remember to travel with your emergency roadside safety kit. Keep your vehicle in good operating condition and make sure there is plenty of tread left on your tires.
- Make sure your signal lights and brake lights are operational. Unfortunately, many collisions occur because drivers didn’t see the other vehicle.
- Listen to traffic reports before you leave and while on the road make changes to your route as needed. Being delayed only makes you more anxious and could result in driver fatigue.
- Drivers in Ontario now have the option of presenting a digital copy of their auto insurance slip. If you have a digital copy of your auto insurance, you must ensure to show proof of insurance regardless of potential issues that you may have with your mobile device such as poor cellular service, a damaged screen or a dead battery. Please also keep in mind that digital auto insurance can also vary between provinces.
- Look for less traveled routes. Major highways are everyone’s route of choice but you could certainly benefit from using some of the smaller highways. In addition to less traffic, you will also be treated to some beautiful scenery as the leaves are giving us a brilliant show this time of year.
- Buckle up! Seat belts are one of your best defences in a crash and it’s the law.
- If there is a collision on your route, give EMS the space they need. Slow down when passing stopped police, ambulance, fire trucks, or tow trucks with flashing lights on.
- Do not drive distracted. If you are driving and tempted to pick up a call or send a text back while you’re driving, turn the volume off or shut your phone off completely and put it away. Pull over in a safe place, turn off your engine, turn on your hazard lights if necessary and return their call. That goes for eating as well. If you have a long drive ahead, make sure to eat before you head out or if you find yourself hungry while you drive, stop and eat. It only takes a few minutes and the break will do you good.
- Always leave a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you and keep your eyes on the road at all times. This way, you will have room if you need to stop quickly. Be aware of your surroundings and check your mirrors frequently. Take note of what other drivers around you are doing and expect the unexpected. Driving on Thanksgiving Weekend will be extra busy.
- Don’t drive while impaired. Find another way home whether it’s a designated driver, a ride- share program, or a taxi service. Please don’t get behind the wheel and jeopardize your life or someone else’s. There is no excuse.
- Don’t allow children to fight or climb around in your vehicle as they should be buckled in their seats at all times. Too much noise can easily distract you from your focus on the road.
We hope you enjoy the time that you are spending with your loved ones this Thanksgiving Weekend and we wish everyone safe travels. This year, Iacobelli Law Firm would like to give thanks to our clients for their trust and confidence in our firm. We realize how hard it is for many of our clients that are recovering from injuries and we are thinking of you.
Although there are many steps you can take to improve your safety while you are driving this Thanksgiving Weekend, not all accidents can be avoided. If you find yourself in an unfortunate collision, our team at Iacobelli Law Firm provides compassionate, professional and effective legal counsel. We also offer a FREE Consultation so please feel free to call us at 1-866-234-6093 or complete our online contact form here. We are honoured to serve our clients and our community.
Andrew Iacobelli is a highly skilled litigator who established Iacobelli Law Firm with offices located in Ontario, Canada as well as offices in Florida, U.S.A. Andrew restricts his practice to the representation of personal injury victims in claims involving serious injuries and wrongful death in Ontario and Florida. Andrew also regularly represents injured clients in both Canada and the United States that are involved in cross-border accidents.
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