Don’t Let Thanksgiving Travel Turn into a Texas Car Wreck

An estimated 42.5 million Americans are expected to travel this Thanksgiving holiday. And with an estimated 90 percent of those Americans choosing to drive, Texas roads will likely be more hazardous than normal.

An additional one to two percent of Americans will travel to their destinations by bus.

Planning ahead and knowing your travel options could save you from being in a dangerous Texas automobile accident.

Tips for Texas Drivers:

For those who will be driving, here are some tips to make sure you stay safe this holiday weekend and avoid a Texas car wreck:

Before you leave:

Check your tire pressure. The correct tire pressure varies for different vehicles. To ensure you have the correct pressure in your tires, check your owner’s manual and use a tire gauge to determine whether your tires are underinflated.
Check your fluid levels. Before heading out on long road trips, you should take your car for a maintenance check-up. If you don’t have time, a simple check of these key fluids could save you from a break-down: oil, brake, power steering, transmission, and windshield fluids.
Pack your car with an emergency care kit. Unfortunately, we can never predict what may happen on the road. Your best bet is to pack an emergency kit that includes first aid supplies, blankets, drinking water, non-perishable food items, flashlights, and jumper cables.

While on the road:

Buckle up – wearing your seat belt could save your life if you are in a Texas car accident.
Just Put It Down – distracted driving causes more than 5,000 fatalities each year. Getting rid of your distractions in the car could save a life, maybe even your own. Take the Just Put It Down Pledge today at www.justputitdown.com.
Don’t drive if you become tired – driving while fatigued can be just as dangerous as distracted driving. Fatigued driving has been shown to affect a driver much like if the driver had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent, the legal limit.
Don’t drink and drive – the holidays are a time to celebrate, but you won’t be celebrating if you get caught drinking and driving. Remember, even one glass of alcohol can lead to a dangerous Texas car wreck.

Tips for Texas bus passengers:

Before buying a bus ticket, consumers need to know that not all bus companies are safe for travel. In recent months, motor coach safety has been greatly questioned with a rash of bus accidents occurring nationwide. This summer, a Texas bus accident left a young girl severely injured and sent several other passengers to the hospital.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) has the tools you need to determine which bus company is right for you. To determine whether the bus company you are riding with is safe:

Check the bus company’s safety performance history and compare it to the national average.
Look for bus companies that have received a top rating of “satisfactory” from FMCSA.
Check that the bus company has authority to operate and carries at least $5 million in insurance coverage if it is carrying more than 16 passengers.

Wherever your travels take you, and however you choose to travel, we hope that you all have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Don't hesitate to contact Kay Van Wey at (800)489-5082 for a free, no obligation consultation.

Van Wey Law serves:

The entire state of Texas, including Dallas, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio

The entire state of Oklahoma, including Tulsa and Oklahoma City

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