The Thanksgiving weekend has arrived. Before you get ready to feast on turkey and visit family, you should read this blog. Thanksgiving traffic can be intimidating and extremely dangerous. To help, the attorneys at Needham Kepner & Fish LLP have a few tips to help you avoid the Thanksgiving traffic rush.
Why Is the Thanksgiving Holiday Dangerous for Motorists?
The National Safety Council considers the four and one-quarter days spanning from the Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving and all day Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as the Thanksgiving period. AAA predicts that 48.3 million will travel by automobile this Thanksgiving. According to AAA, this is the highest single-year increase in Thanksgiving travelers since 2005.
Many Bay Area families travel for Thanksgiving to visit family across California and even the United States. A lot of families choose car travel. Unfortunately, having more drivers on the road over the Thanksgiving period means that you are more likely to be involved in an accident. In addition, many families celebrate with alcohol, which can lead to alcohol-involved accidents. That is why Thanksgiving is one of the most dangerous holidays when it comes to traffic fatalities and serious injuries.
When Not to Drive During Thanksgiving
When it comes to traffic in San Jose and the surrounding Bay Area, driving can become difficult, especially around rush hour. But Thanksgiving Day travel often amplifies those problems. INRIX predicts that the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, you can expect traffic to be 278% worse than normal in the Bay Area, particularly between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Overall, the worst time to travel during the Thanksgiving holiday includes:
- Wednesday between 12:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
- Thursday between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
- Friday between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
- Saturday between 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
- Sunday between 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
These surges are why you should avoid being on the road at these times. One thing you can do to decrease your odds of a car accident is to avoid traveling during the busiest hours of the holiday.
When Are the Best Times to Drive During the Thanksgiving Holiday?
According to INRIX, the best times to travel during the Thanksgiving holiday include:
- Wednesday after 9:00 p.m.
- Thursday before 11:00 a.m.
- Friday before 11:00 a.m.
- Saturday before 12:00 p.m.
- Sunday before 12:00 p.m.
However, traveling late at night or early in the morning comes with its own risks. Celebrations during the holiday season often involve drinking. Drunk drivers can be on the road during late night and early morning hours. Be especially vigilant for these dangerous drivers.
After an Accident, Get an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer on Your Side
Remember, increased traffic increases the risk of traffic collisions, so be safe out there as you celebrate. However, if a traffic accident is unavoidable, remember that the San Jose personal injury attorneys of Needham Kepner & Fish LLP are ready to help. You can reach us for a free consultation by calling (408) 716-1668 or by contacting us online.