Driving Tips for Rhode Islanders Traveling This Thanksgiving

What To Do If You Are in an Accident in Another State or with an Out-of-State Driver

If you have plans to reunite with family afar this Thanksgiving, you are not alone. According to AAA, a record-breaking 80 million people will be traveling 50 miles or more this week, most by car. At Sheeley Law, we’ve seen firsthand how a festive occasion can turn into a nightmare due to preventable crashes. A dangerous combination of traffic, distracted driving, alcohol, rain across New England and snow in higher elevations will, unfortunately, lead to a spike in accidents.

Thanksgiving Driving Tips to Avoid an Accident

To help ensure that there are no empty seats at your Thanksgiving table, we’ve compiled essential driving tips, as well as guidance should you be involved in an accident across Rhode Island state lines or with an out-of-state driver. As always, we are available 24/7 by calling 401-619-5555 over the holidays if you need legal assistance.

Tips to Stay Safe on the Road:

1) Choose the Best Time to Travel - The best time to hit the road is on Thanksgiving Day and the worst times are Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon. Drivers returning home on the Sunday after the holiday should leave early in the morning. Navigation apps, like Waze, can tell you the best times to leave and routes to take to avoid the most traffic and hazards.

2) Check Your Vehicle - Taking 30 mins to check your car’s lights, fluids, windshield wipers, tires, battery, and brakes can help you avoid dangerous vehicle safety issues.

3) Avoid Distracted Driving - The temptation to answer texts, check directions, or adjust playlists is heightened on long trips. Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents, so always keep your focus on the road by designating a passenger, if possible, to handle phone or navigation tasks, keep your radio at a reasonable volume and two hands on the wheel.

4) Use Caution When Driving at Night - as you know, visibility diminishes significantly after dusk, so it best to try and do the bulk of your driving during daylight hours. Also, a big Thanksgiving meal can leave you full and fatigued – save your driving for when you are most alert.

5) Never Drink & Drive – Thanksgiving Eve, sometimes called “Blackout Wednesday,” is one of the biggest drinking nights of the year. Driving impaired not only puts yourself at risk but it puts everyone else in danger. Even if you never drink and drive, keep an eye out for other impaired drivers, as well as those who are excessively speeding. If you suspect a driver is under the influence, maintain a safe distance and report them to local authorities.

What To Do If You’ve Been in an Accident Out-of-State or with an Out-of-State Driver:

The most important thing you should do if you were injured as a result of another driver’s negligence – after contacting the police and getting medical treatment – is consult an experienced personal injury attorney in your home state, even if the accident occurred in another state. Attorney Ann Sheeley is licensed in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts and will guide you through the process, protect your rights and ensure you get maximum compensation for your damages and injuries. For a free consultation, call 401-619-5555 or email asheeley@sheeleylaw.com.