When holiday shopping it’s important to plan ahead. With the rise of Covid cases, many stores are anticipating less in-store shopping and more online shopping. In anticipation of this and to decrease the number of bodies in-store on one specific day, many stores have opted to spread out their Black Friday sales by having weekly and in some cases, daily sales. While this has lessened the chances of huge crowds gathering in-store on the Nationally known “Black Friday”, the potential of many shoppers gathering in-store is still a factor. If you plan to do your holiday shopping in-store, be sure to do so in a safe manner. We’ve gathered some helpful tips for you to assist with this.
Stay Safe on The Road During the Holidays: Plan Ahead
Make sure to plan for heavier traffic. Make sure you have a secondary route to and from your destination. You also want to check out the weather for that day. Take the weather into consideration when planning when you will be traveling to make your holiday purchases. With more drivers on the road, certain weather conditions such as rain may cause delays in your travel. Plan to leave your house early to avoid being in a rush or having to be out and about while it is dark out as much as possible.
Check Your Car To Avoid Accident or Breakdown
Before hitting the road, always be sure to make sure your vehicle is good to go. You never want to have to stop in the middle of your shopping trip to have to maintain your vehicle. Some things to be sure to check are engine oil, other fluids in your car, air pressure in your tires, tire wear, the battery, and of course, you always want to make sure that all of your lights are working. You don’t ever want to be left stranded with all of your newly purchased gifts loaded in your vehicle.
Avoid Distractions to Prevent Car Accidents
If you are unsure of how to get to where you are going, set your GPS prior to leaving your house. Minimize phone use by making sure your phone is synced up to your vehicle’s Bluetooth prior to leaving your home as well. Make sure to get plenty of rest the night before your shopping trip as fatigue causes distraction and irritation. Always make sure to stop to eat as well because we all know being “hangry” is a real thing and can be very distracting.
Pack Essentials For Your Shopping As Well As In the case of An Accident
With all the different changes in 2020, your essentials to pack for your shopping trip will have changed as well. Your list of items probably only consisted of things like:
- clothing
- snacks
- hand sanitizer
- face masks
- shields (extra masks/shields for your children)
- anti-bacterial wipes
- sanitizing wipes
Parking Lots Can Be Dangerous
Remember that malls and shopping center parking lots are prime targets for car theft, and robberies. Always park in a spot where there is plenty of light and if possible, park close to your destination. Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with really tinted windows. Take note of where you parked and what store entrance it is closest to if parking at a mall or shopping center. Always double-check that all of your windows are closed and doors are locked. If you are making multiple stops at different stores, make sure to store your shopping bags in the trunk, or utilize your cargo cover.
Traveling For Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel holidays in the United States, and many people choose to travel by car. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), millions of Americans travel during the Thanksgiving holiday period, which is defined as the Wednesday before Thanksgiving through the Sunday after. In fact, AAA estimated that over 50 million Americans traveled by car during the Thanksgiving holiday period in 2019.
Thanksgiving is a time when many people visit family and friends who live in other parts of the country, and driving is a popular choice because it allows travelers to bring along gifts and other items for the holiday. Additionally, driving can be more cost-effective than flying, especially for families traveling together.
However, it’s important to note that Thanksgiving travel patterns can vary depending on factors such as the location and size of the destination, the economy, and current events. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted travel patterns in recent years, with many people choosing to stay home to avoid exposure to the virus.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, there were 764 crashes involving a fatality back in 2012. . Compare that to 654 which was recorded during that year at Christmas. The NHTSA sent out warnings to travelers and also stressed “Don’t rush on the roads to make it to a holiday event. “Plan your travel and route by checking the weather, road conditions, and traffic,” the agency cautioned. “Leave early, if necessary, and allow plenty of time to safely get to your destination.”
Other factors that contribute to the dangerous conditions are weather and drinking. If you think about it, Thanksgiving is during the winter and for the states particularly located in the northern region of the United States, snow is a factor. Drinking is also a large concern. Many families begin drinking early in the day and through the Thanksgiving feast. While they may not feel like it, by the time all the NFL games are over they have been drinking all day and are legally drunk. Combine that with the winder roads and it makes for a dangerous drive back to your home once you finish the Thanksgiving festivities. Here in South Texas, we don’t so much have to worry about the snow. However, you may be traveling to parts of the country where snow is an issue.
Thanksgiving Travel Safety Tips
Traveling on the road during Thanksgiving can be hectic, but there are several ways to stay safe and reduce the risk of accidents. Here are some tips for staying safe on the road during Thanksgiving:
- Plan ahead: Plan your route ahead of time, and check for any road closures or construction. Leave early to avoid traffic, and take breaks every few hours to rest and stretch.
- Check your vehicle: Make sure your vehicle is in good condition before you hit the road. Check the tires, brakes, headlights, and windshield wipers to ensure they are working properly.
- Avoid distractions: Avoid using your phone while driving, and don’t eat or drink while behind the wheel. Keep your focus on the road at all times.
- Wear seat belts: Make sure everyone in your vehicle is wearing their seat belt, and use child safety seats for younger passengers.
- Drive defensively: Be aware of other drivers on the road, and anticipate potential hazards. Maintain a safe following distance, and avoid aggressive driving behaviors.
- Avoid driving under the influence: Never drink and drive, and avoid driving after taking medication that could impair your ability to drive safely.
- Take breaks: If you’re feeling tired, pull over and take a break. Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving.
By following these tips, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving road trip.
While we wish the best for all of our south Texas citizens we do realize that traffic accidents do occur. It is important to have an attorney represent you that you know and trust.
About Herrman & Herrman P.L.L.C: Personal Injury Law Firm
With over 100 years of combined experience among the legal team of Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C., our Texas personal injury attorneys have successfully resolved over 20,000 cases. When representing injured Texas residents, we fight for justice against wrongdoing and aggressively pursue the best resolution to complex personal injury claims.
If you or a loved one was injured, please contact us for a free initial consultation and case evaluation. Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C., is a locally based law firm focused on holding negligent individuals and companies accountable for their wrongdoing. We are not a personal injury mill that advertises nationwide. We provide individualized advocacy in attending to all aspects of claims that involve. Our firm has offices in the following locations: Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi South Side, Brownsville, McAllen, San Antonio, Houston, and Ft. Worth, TX.
We remain by our clients’ side, handling all aspects of their claims and attending to all legal, medical and financial needs. That dedication is combined with experience, legal knowledge, and insight from a former insurance adjuster and several former insurance defense attorneys. Whether our clients are suffering from physical pain from an accident or the emotional grief of death, we treat clients with compassion. We put their mind at ease during difficult times by answering their questions concerning the length of their claim, medical bills, financial compensation and their overall need for a lawyer.
