Hazardous Weather Conditions Predicted to Affect Thanksgiving Travel

This week is the busiest travel period of the year with the Wednesday before Thanksgiving being the busiest travel day of the year. Due to the increased traffic during this period, it is no surprise that auto accidents are more frequent during this time period as well. On top of the regular traffic, this year there is an additional hazard of a huge storm which is scheduled to move through our area Tuesday night through Wednesday and into Wednesday night. Currently it is predicted to deliver primarily heavy rains beginning Tuesday night. Up to two inches of rain can be expected. However, it is cold enough that it might be a wintry mix in some areas and it is predicted that as the storm pulls away Wednesday night, we might be left with a period of wet snow. This messy wintry mix will only increase the potential for serious auto accidents during this Thanksgiving week.

Here are Some Tips on how to Prepare

• Be sure your car has adequate auto insurance that is in effect for this week. Your coverage should include uninsured motorist coverage in the event you are in an accident with an uninsured driver.
• Create an emergency kit. You do not want to be stuck in cold weather on the road without the proper supplies. Do you have a spare tire? Some tools? A flare or flashlight? Bottles of water and snacks? A charged cell phone? Your emergency numbers including road side assistance?
• Be sure your tires have adequate pressure and are in good condition. Bald or underinflated tires can affect your stopping time or ability to stop altogether.
• Watch your speed. With water on the road especially from heavy rains, your chance of hydroplaning increases drastically. If the water freezes, you run the risk of sliding into other cars on the road or objects near the roadside.
• Pay attention . Often at this time, many travelers are going to unfamiliar locations and their GPS might lead them astray or they might become lost. These drivers are especially dangerous because not only might they be lost, they might be focusing on their GPS and thereby paying less attention to the roadway. Do not be one of these drivers. Pull over if you get lost and need to look up directions. Pull over if you need to use your cell phone. Do not text and driver. Focus on the road and be aware of all others using the roadway.
• Don’t drive impaired. While this seems like a no-brainer, with alcohol making a debut at most holiday parties this season, it is important to have a designated driver. Don’t drive buzzed or if you have imbibed. Wait until the alcohol is out of your system. Also be on alert for other drunk drivers on the road. Report any drivers you see who are driving erratically, swerving, failing to stay in their lane or otherwise driving recklessly.

What to do if you are in an Auto Accident

• Stay Calm.
• If you are able, move your vehicle off the roadway to avoid any further hazards.
• Call 911. If there are injuries, be sure to request an ambulance.
• Do not remove any injured person from a vehicle unless they are in immediate danger. With some injuries, moving the injured person can result in further injuries and this should be done by trained emergency personnel.
• If you are able, be sure to exchange your insurance information with the other driver and also provide that information to the police officer. Have your license and registration accessible.
• Contact your insurance carrier to report the claim. Do not give a statement to the adverse insurance carrier.

If you are injured in an auto accident through no fault of your own and your injuries are severe in nature, you might want to hire an auto accident attorney to assist you with your claim. Attorneys can help you coordinate your medical bill payments, prevent your bills from going into collections, handle your claim with the adverse insurance carrier, and help you obtain compensation for your injuries.

At the Granite Law Group we take the stress out of auto accident for you. All you have to worry about is getting the medical treatment you need to recover from your injuries. We handle the rest. Contact an experienced auto accident attorney today. We accept cases in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.