Thanksgiving is just around the corner, bringing family gatherings and festive celebrations throughout Bergen County. But this special holiday also brings unique driving hazards that can turn a joyful occasion into a tragedy, leading to many families spending Thanksgiving in hospital waiting rooms rather than around the dinner table.
Here are five common driving risks you need to watch for this coming holiday weekend.
Family distractions in the car
Traveling with a car full of excited family members creates the perfect environment for distracted driving. Such trips create the perfect environment for distractions, like:
- Loud conversations
- Children needing attention
- Phone calls from expectant parents
Even just the stress of holiday travel can pull your focus from the road. Keep your attention where it belongs by having a “co-pilot” handle passenger needs, phone calls and navigation.
Slippery fallen leaves on roadways
Those beautiful autumn leaves create a serious driving hazard. Once the leaves fall and get wet, it all forms a slick surface similar to ice. This reduces your car’s tire traction dramatically. Moreover, the leaves can hide crucial road markings and even potholes.
Early winter weather challenges
New Jersey usually gets its first snow just before Thanksgiving. This can cause driving hazards like:
- Icy or frozen spots on the road
- Reduced wheel traction
- Taking longer for brakes to work
In snowy or risky winter weather, it’s better to slow down and drive carefully, even if you might arrive late.
Impaired driving and fatigue
The night before Thanksgiving ranks among the biggest drinking occasions of the year. Combined with post-dinner celebrations, the entire weekend sees a spike in impaired driving incidents.
In addition to alcohol-impairment, fatigue can also lead to driving accidents. Long drives home, especially after a full Thanksgiving meal, can cause drowsiness and impaired judgement. When you are less alert, it’s easy to make driving mistakes, such as missing a turn or not noticing stop lights.
Heavy traffic and aggressive driving
Thanksgiving creates some of the year’s worst traffic congestion and most dangerous time to travel. Frustration leads many drivers to speed, tailgate or make dangerous lane changes.
It’s not just the Thanksgiving day or the day before the holiday that opens up drivers to more dangers. According to 2024 data, the crash rate on the Sunday after Thanksgiving jumps 65% higher compared to the previous weekend.
Stay safe this holiday season
Safety matters more than arriving on time or any other holiday pressure. By recognizing these common Thanksgiving driving hazards, you can take steps to protect yourself, your loved ones and other drivers on the road.
If you do get into an accident, seek medical attention immediately, regardless of how minor injuries may seem. Immediate medical help is also important when filing injury claims so you don’t have to worry as much about financial hardship during what should be a season of gratitude and joy.
