Thanksgiving is synonymous with warmth, gratitude, and quality time spent with loved ones. However, amid the festivities and travel plans, it’s crucial to prioritize safety on the roads. In a recent bipartisan effort, U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock and Shelley Moore Capito have introduced the Drive Safer Sunday Resolution, urging Americans to exercise caution on the roads during the holiday season, particularly on the congested Sunday after Thanksgiving. The resolution names Sunday November 26th, Drive Safer Sunday.
As personal injury attorneys deeply committed to the well-being of our community, we highlight the significance of this initiative and the need for everyone to contribute to safer roads.
Thanksgiving Travel Safety: The Alarming Statistics
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the Thanksgiving holiday weekend witnesses a surge in traffic incidents. This year, NSC projects up to 580 fatal crashes to occur across Indiana, Missouri, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois and throughout the rest of the US during the Thanksgiving weekend. The NSC projects another 57,800 will seek medical attention due to crashes during the Thanksgiving weekend.
The Drive Safer Sunday Resolution aims to address this issue by encouraging safer driving practices. The resolution emphasizes the need for everyone, including educational institutions, trucking firms, clergy, law enforcement, and the general public, to play a part in creating safer road conditions.
Personal Stories Drive the Cause
Behind this legislative effort are personal stories of loss and tragedy. The Drive Safer Sunday Resolution is rooted in the experience of Steve and Susan Owings, whose son lost his life in a truck crash on the Sunday after Thanksgiving in 2002. Their advocacy, along with other board members at the Institute for Safer Trucking, has led to the introduction of this resolution.
Preventing Truck Accidents
Trucking firms play a crucial role in highway safety. The resolution calls on these firms to alert employees to focus on safe driving on the designated Sunday, using communication channels such as the Citizens Band Radio Service and at truck stops. As a truck accident attorney who has witnessed the aftermath of tragic accidents, I believe these initiatives can make a substantial impact.
Your Role in Drive Safer Sunday
As a personal injury law firm, we echo the call for increased awareness and safer driving habits. If you are traveling this Thanksgiving, don’t forget these tips for safe driving practices:
- Stay Sober, Stay Safe: Thanksgiving festivities often involve alcohol, but it’s crucial to designate a sober driver or use alternative transportation if you’ve consumed alcoholic beverages. Don’t drink and drive!
- Avoid Distracted Driving: Put the phone away, program your GPS before driving, and encourage passengers to handle any necessary tasks, allowing you to stay focused on the road.
- Buckle Up for Safety: Seat belts are your best defense in a crash. Ensure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained, regardless of the distance you’re traveling.
- Check the Forecast: Thanksgiving weather can be unpredictable. Stay informed about the forecast for your route and be prepared for adverse conditions. Use extreme caution when driving in adverse weather.
- Increase Following Distance: If rain or snow is in the forecast, increase your following distance to allow for additional stopping time. Also, take it slow and adapt your speed to the severity of the weather conditions.
Join us in making a commitment to Drive Safer Sunday. Let’s be mindful of our actions on the road, wear seat belts, and educate ourselves about highway safety. Together, we can make our roads safer for everyone.
You can help by sharing your pledge to #DriveSaferSunday.
Drive Safer Every Day
As we approach the holiday season, our law firm stands in solidarity with Senators Warnock and Capito in supporting the Drive Safer Sunday Resolution. We urge everyone to be mindful of their actions on the road, prioritize safety, and contribute to making our roads safer for all. Let’s make a collective commitment to drive safer every day and reduce the alarming statistics associated with holiday travel.
Remember, your safety and the safety of others on the road should always be the top priority.
Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and joyful Thanksgiving!
David W. Craig
David W. Craig is a board-certified truck accident lawyer and managing partner as well as one of the founding partners of the law firm of Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC. He is also recognized as a Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer and Top 100 Trial Lawyer in Indiana by the National Trial Lawyers. David is the author of Semitruck Wreck, A Guide for Victims and Their Families, written to help victims and their families as they navigate through a terrible situation and answers the host of questions that come after a tragic wreck. He is also the host of the podcast, After the Crash where you can gain valuable information about the dangers involving semi and large trucks that do not follow Indiana law safety protocol on roads regarding speed, weather conditions, maintenance upkeep etc.
Were You or a Loved One Injured in a Truck Accident during This Holiday Season?
If you’ve experienced a truck accident, you’ve endured a frightening experience. You deserve empathy and reliable, professional guidance regarding your legal choices. With experienced lawyers licensed in Indiana, Missouri, Kentucky, Ohio, and Illinois, the skilled truck accident attorneys at Craig, Kelley, & Faultless are ready to fight for you. The attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless have assisted numerous individuals injured in semi-truck accidents in seeking justice and fair compensation. If you have a truck accident case, we are prepared to assist you.
Call (317) 545-1760 or just fill out our online contact form to request a free case review.
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