Thanksgiving travel tips
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Are you one of the estimated 51 million Americans traveling more than 50 miles this Thanksgiving weekend? I'm heading to my brother and sister-in-law's apartment in Red Hook, Brooklyn for a small Thanksgiving meal. I look forward to spending the day cooking, eating, and playing games. We have a lot to be thankful for. If you are traveling, leave early and plan ahead.

A National Safety Council analysis concludes that an estimated 421 could be killed and another 48,500 serious injured in car accidents during the Thanksgiving holiday period, 6 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday night.

American Trucking Association's Share the Road offers these driving tips:

  • Buckle up: A seat belt will not prevent a collision, but it will save a life.
  • Remove ice and snow from your vehicle:  Clear your windows and roof of snow to ensure you have maximum visibility and avoid creating a hazard for the vehicle behind you. Don’t allow ice and snow to create additional blind spots on your vehicle.
  • Slow down: Chances of a crash nearly triples when driving faster than surrounding traffic.
  • Do not drive impaired: Driving is a great responsibility and your fellow travelers are relying on safe, attentive drivers to respectfully share the road and make good decisions.
  • Be aware of truck blind spots: Trucks deliver your favorite Thanksgiving traditions – turkeys, cranberries, mashed potatoes and all kinds of tasty pies – so make it easy on them by staying out of blind spots. Pass on the left where the truck’s blind spot is much smaller.
  • Keep your eyes on the road: Distracted driving is a major cause of traffic accidents and one of the leading causes of death amongst teenagers. Even just two seconds of distraction time doubles the chances of an accident. Use your cell phone when stopped and never text while driving.
  • Do not cut in front of large trucks: Remember trucks are heavier and take longer to make a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them. Fully loaded tractor-trailers can take the length of a football field plus both end zones to make a complete stop. Ask your favorite quarterback how far that is. Hint: it’s far.
  • Prepare your vehicle for long distance travel: Before you head out to your aunts, uncles and cousins, check your wipers and fluids and have your radiator and cooling system serviced. Simple maintenance before you leave your home can prevent many of the problems that strand motorists on the side of the road.
  • Prepare yourself for long distance travel: The vehicle needs maintenance and the driver needs plenty of rest and hydration to function at his or her best. If the turkey is making you feel drowsy, pull over and wait until you are more alert.
  • Leave early and avoid risks: Leave early to reduce anxiety about arriving late. Road conditions may change due to inclement weather or traffic congestion.
  • Be aware of the vehicle in front of you: Leave extra room between you and the vehicle ahead.

Happy Thanksgiving from everyone here at Rear View Safety!