Getting together to share a Thanksgiving meal with family is a long-standing tradition for many people. One thing that makes this more complicated than when the tradition first started is the distance that many family members now live from each other.
A lot of people will take to their cars and drive a considerable distance to partake, and this can spell danger for them and others on the road.
1. Distraction and frustration
Your mom is on the phone again, wondering how long until you arrive. She’s worried the turkey will dry out if she leaves it in the oven much longer. That’s not your only concern. Your kids have long since passed the point where they can sit nicely or be entertained by playing “I Spy,” and the only thing preventing physical violence between them is the straps of their respective child seats. Then, to top it all, your spouse insists on reminding you that they suggested leaving earlier to beat the traffic, even though the main reason you are late is that they were not ready.
Thanksgiving journeys can be stressful affairs, which does not make for safe driving. Even if you are calm and undistracted, others may not be.
2. Residual alcohol
When you finally arrive at your mom’s, your sister takes one look at you and says, “You need a glass of wine.” The alcohol continues to flow late into the night, as you catch up and trade stories. Fortunately, you already told your spouse they were driving home the next morning, and they switched to sodas early on to make sure they’d be fit to do so. Some families aren’t this careful and set off on their journey back with a driver who still has too much alcohol in their system.
3. Tiredness
Not only did your spouse stop drinking early, but they also retired to bed much sooner than you. They reasoned that they needed to be well rested to avoid the dangers caused by the less responsible drivers you would likely encounter on your way home, some of whom would be in grave danger of falling asleep at the wheel.
Statistics show that car crashes increase over Thanksgiving, and there’s no reason to think this year will buck that trend. If you end up a victim of it, be sure to learn more about your options to claim compensation.
