Michigan Auto Accident Numbers Spike Over Thanksgiving Holiday

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Thanksgiving Travel Tips from the Lee Steinberg Law Firm

thanksgiving travel tips

Michigan Auto Accident Numbers Spike Over Thanksgiving Holiday

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 37,133 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2017, down 1.8 percent from 37,806 in 2016, the first decline since 2014. The bad news is all types of accidents involving Michigan motorists including motorcyclists, see a rise in alcohol-impaired and bad driver habit-related fatalities over the Thanksgiving holiday. The beginning of daylight savings, changing weather patterns, and increased traffic on the roads contributes to a slight increase in these auto accidents but the truth is fifty more people on average die in traffic crashes during Thanksgiving week than during other weeks of the year for a combination of causes, most of which are triggered by poor driving habits.

Travel Easy Tips from Lee Steinberg Law Firm

With the help of the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, our team of motor vehicle accident and personal injury attorneys have come up with an easy checklist for ensuring safer travel this Thanksgiving holiday.

  • The turkey and added calorie intake, and even just one alcoholic beverage, can make you more tired. Be well-rested before hitting the road and avoid drowsy or drunk driving.
  • Make sure all passengers are wearing seatbelts.
  • Don’t talk on the phone while driving or become distracted by in-vehicle technologies, even if hands-free.
  • Obey the posted speed limits and following at a safe distance.
  • If traveling in a new neighborhood, be cautious of intersections and don’t rush traffic lights or turns.
  • Be patient and courteous if traveling in congested traffic and try to plan your route ahead of time.
  • Car trouble can happen and if it does, pull off the road as far as possible and put your hazards on to avoid a crash.
  • Stay alert; focus on driving and watch out for alcohol or drug impaired drivers and wildlife crossing.
  • Any amount of alcohol is too many if you plan on driving so instead arrange a designated driver if you plan to drink. If at a family member or friend’s home, don’t be embarrassed by asking to stay the night or ask them to call a cab or a ride-sharing service for you.
  • Delay trips when especially bad weather is expected. If you must leave, let others know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival.

Michigan mimics national trends in holiday motor vehicle related deaths with Labor Day remaining the holiday period with the most fatalities, followed by Thanksgiving Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, New Year’s Day and Christmas Day.

While every accident can’t be avoided, the severity of many can be lessened by following these simple tips. We hope they will help keep your family and Michigan roads safe. It’s also a great time for us to say how grateful we are to have such wonderful clients and loyal blog readers. Happy Thanksgiving!

If You Become Injured in an Accident, We Are Happy to Help

The attorneys and staff at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm care about our clients and members of the communities we serve. We hope you will use this Thanksgiving holiday to celebrate but also to be safe. If something does happen and you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, call us for help. We will be ready to support you in your time of need and healing, and we can help decrease the financial pressures on your family by aggressively pursuing a personal injury claim on your behalf. Call us today to get started with your FREE initial consultation: 1-800-LEE-FREE.