Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods in the United States, and New Jersey is no exception. Highways fill with drivers heading to family gatherings, shopping centers overflow with holiday crowds, and long-distance travelers pass through the state on their way to other destinations. Because so many vehicles share the road at once, the risk of serious collisions increases. Fortunately, taking a few practical steps can help keep you and your family safe. These ten tips can make a meaningful difference as you prepare for Thanksgiving travel this year.
1. Give Yourself Plenty of Time to Reach Your Destination
Thanksgiving traffic is unpredictable. Delays can appear suddenly due to congestion, weather, construction, or holiday events. Rushing increases the chance of speeding, abrupt lane changes, and inattentive driving. By planning to leave earlier than usual, you can stay calm, make better decisions, and avoid unnecessary risks. Giving yourself a cushion of time helps reduce stress and keeps everyone in your vehicle more comfortable.
2. Plan Your Route in Advance
Before you begin your trip, take a few minutes to review your route. Many drivers rely heavily on navigation apps, especially during long holiday weekends. While these tools help, you can save time and avoid confusion by checking for expected delays or alternate paths ahead of time. Looking at weather forecasts, road closures, and detours helps you avoid surprises. Additionally, reviewing your route before you drive minimizes the need to handle your phone behind the wheel.
3. Limit Distractions Inside the Vehicle
Distraction is one of the leading causes of crashes during Thanksgiving travel. With children in the back seat, holiday playlists, constant notifications, and calls from relatives, distractions are everywhere. Try to silence your phone, choose your music before leaving, and keep loose items stored safely. Remind passengers to stay mindful so you can keep your attention on the road. Even brief distractions can lead to a rear-end crash or unsafe lane change when traffic is heavy.
4. Avoid Driving While Tired or Drowsy
Many Thanksgiving trips involve long hours, early departures, or late-night drives home. Fatigue affects your reaction time and decision-making, making it almost as dangerous as impaired driving. If you start feeling tired, take a break, switch drivers, or stop for rest. Signs of drowsiness include drifting between lanes, yawning frequently, or difficulty keeping your eyes open. Recognizing these early signs helps prevent serious accidents caused by fatigue.
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5. Prepare Your Vehicle Before You Leave
A quick vehicle check can prevent unexpected problems on a busy holiday weekend. Check your tires, brakes, headlights, taillights, wipers, and fluid levels. Cold weather can affect tire pressure and battery power, so paying attention to these details helps reduce the risk of mechanical failures. If you have not serviced your car recently, consider scheduling a simple inspection before Thanksgiving. A well-maintained vehicle is much safer on crowded, fast-moving roads.
6. Stay Alert for Aggressive or Impatient Drivers
Holiday stress affects everyone differently. Some drivers become impatient, tailgate, weave between lanes, or speed to make up for lost time. These behaviors increase the danger for everyone else. If you encounter an aggressive driver, give them space. Avoid making eye contact, do not retaliate, and never try to “teach them a lesson.” Staying calm and removing yourself from the situation is the safest choice for you and your passengers.
7. Adjust Your Driving to Weather and Seasonal Conditions
Thanksgiving travel often means dealing with rain, fog, cold temperatures, or even early-season snow. Weather conditions can reduce visibility and increase stopping distances. If the roads are wet or icy, reduce your speed and increase the space between you and the car ahead. Early sunsets in late November also make it harder to see pedestrians and cyclists. Turning on your headlights earlier than usual helps you stay visible.
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8. Use Extra Caution in Crowded Parking Lots
Many Thanksgiving trips include stops at shopping centers, grocery stores, or restaurants. These areas become chaotic during the holiday weekend. Drivers often back out suddenly, pedestrians appear between cars, and visibility may be limited. Drive slowly, use your signals, and be patient. Staying alert helps prevent low-speed collisions and injuries that can happen even in a parking lot.
9. Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Vehicle
Although no one expects trouble during a holiday trip, being prepared can help you handle unexpected challenges. Useful items include a flashlight, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, blankets, bottled water, basic tools, and a phone charger. Having these supplies ready can make a stressful situation much easier, especially if you are stuck in traffic or dealing with a breakdown.
10. Make Seat Belts a Priority for Everyone in the Vehicle
Wearing a seat belt is one of the most effective ways to prevent serious injuries in a crash. Before starting your trip, make sure every passenger is buckled up and that children are secured in the proper car seat or booster seat. Checking this before the vehicle moves helps reduce distractions and keeps everyone safe from the moment you begin your journey.
What to Do if You Are Injured During Thanksgiving Travel
Even when you drive responsibly, not everyone around you will do the same. If another driver causes a crash, your health and safety come first. Seek medical attention right away, take photos of the scene, and collect contact information from witnesses. Additionally, contact a New Jersey personal injury attorney as soon as possible if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. The sooner you get legal guidance, the easier it becomes to protect your rights and build a strong claim.
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Call Blume Forte Attorneys at Law After a Thanksgiving Travel Accident in New Jersey
If you were injured during Thanksgiving travel in New Jersey, you should not deal with the aftermath alone. Blume Forte Attorneys at Law can help you understand your legal options, gather evidence, and pursue the compensation you need. Contact the firm at 973-845-4421 for a free consultation so you can focus on healing while our legal team handles the details. We represent clients throughout New Jersey, including Hackensack, West New York, and Kearny.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.
