As the 2022 Thanksgiving holiday approaches, North Carolina roads will once again be packed with holiday travelers. Thanksgiving travel is expected to reach pre-pandemic levels, with AAA predicting that around 1.5 million North Carolinians will travel at least 50 miles for the holiday and 89% of those Thanksgiving travelers will be driving.

Tips for staying safe on the road

With that many drivers traveling on North Carolina roads, staying safe is more important than ever. In an effort to help keep you safe behind the wheel, we’ve compiled a list of tips to keep in mind as you travel to your Thanksgiving destination.

Plan well

The busiest travel times for Thanksgiving weekend are the Wednesday afternoon/evening before and the Sunday after. Take this into consideration when planning your trip and try leaving early to beat the crowds. 

Be prepared

Plan your route ahead of time and check the status of highways on your route before you leave at DriveNC.gov so you can avoid any construction or hazards on the road. Be willing to be flexible, too. Once you know the status of the roads on your route, be prepared to change course if necessary to avoid congestion or hazards.

Don’t drink and drive

Refraining from drinking and driving should be a practice throughout the entire year, especially when the roads are so busy. Drunk driving accidents increase during the holidays when people are more likely to be drinking socially and roads are busier. If you’ll be drinking during Thanksgiving festivities, have a designated sober driver or plan to spend the night and leave the following day, instead.

Charged with DWI in NC? Contact our experienced attorneys as soon as possible.

Obey the rules of the road

Each year, the annual North Carolina Thanksgiving Click it or Ticket campaign brings police officers out in full force during the week of Thanksgiving to enforce speeding, drunk driving, and seat belt laws in all 100 counties of the state. Be extra cautious to avoid getting pulled over or receiving a ticket.

Seatbelt Laws

According to the NC law, all drivers, “front-seat passengers, and back-seat passengers ages 16 and older must wear their seat belts. The driver of the vehicle is responsible for himself and all children less than 16 years old. Passengers ages 16 and older are responsible for themselves.” Additionally, children of all ages must be properly secured in their seats. 

What to do if you are in an accident

If you are the victim of someone else’s reckless driving this holiday season, you may have a personal injury claim. The first – and most important – thing to do after you have been in an accident is to seek medical help. Check out the following resources for more information about personal injury cases in North Carolina, and be sure to contact us as soon as possible so that we can help you get the compensation you deserve. 

• Settling a Personal Injury Claim
• 7 Mistakes to Avoid During Your Personal Injury Case
• What to Do if an Accident Report is Inaccurate
• How to File for Diminished Value
• Visitors Guide to Driving in North Carolina

Contact SeiferFlatow

You can do everything in your power to stay safe behind the wheel, but when you’re sharing the road with so many other drivers, sometimes accidents are unavoidable. If you are injured in an accident while on the road this holiday season, the personal injury lawyers at SeiferFlatow will advocate on your behalf and can help you navigate what comes after. 

Don’t let another driver’s negligence put a damper on your holiday season; contact our office to schedule a consultation and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.