According to the American Automobile Association, over 50 million Americans travel 50 miles or more over the Thanksgiving holiday period. The majority (88.7%) do so by car.
The Thanksgiving travel period starts on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving day and ends on the Sunday thereafter. Historically, the busiest day for road traffic is on Wednesday, when people start heading to their Thanksgiving destination.
With the surge in motor vehicle traffic comes an increase in car accidents. Data collected over six years from 2016 to 2021 showed that car crash deaths increased by 13% over Thanksgiving.
That’s why it’s important to be extra cautious and practice defensive driving over Thanksgiving. It can literally mean the difference between life and death.
How Defensive Driving Can Keep You Safe Over Thanksgiving
Defensive drivers use advanced driving techniques to anticipate road hazards and react in a way that can prevent an accident. For example, when someone brakes suddenly in front of you or switches lanes without signaling. With sharper observational skills, you’ll be able to react to unexpected events much faster.
With more drivers rushing to reach their Thanksgiving destination, poor judgment on the roads may increase. While you may try to drive safely, other drivers may not. That’s why a heightened awareness of what’s happening around you while driving can help you preempt an accident.
Because many areas in the country experience wintery conditions in November, driving during Thanksgiving may also mean driving in bad weather. A defensive driving course will teach you how to adjust your driving behavior when road conditions are unsafe.
Essential Defensive Driving Tips for a Safe Thanksgiving Journey
Now that you understand what defensive driving is, let’s look at some practical defensive driving techniques you can use to make your Thanksgiving trip a safe one.
1. Reduce Your Speed
Speeding is a leading cause of car crashes. The faster you drive, the less time you have to react to an unexpected incident on the road. So slow down. Arriving late is better than not arriving at all.
2. Maintain a Safe Following Distance
Try to keep one car length between you and the car in front. This will give you more space to brake should the car in front suddenly stop. Bear in mind that when roads are wet, it can take longer for your car to come to a stop.
3. Keep an Eye on Your Mirrors
If you want to be one step ahead of potential hazards, check your mirrors (rearview and side mirrors) and blind spots at all times. This is the best way to know what’s happening in your surroundings so you can anticipate and avoid a potential problem.
4. Stay Alert
Road conditions can change while you’re driving. Rain may turn to sleet, making the road slippery, or an animal may dart into the road. It’s important to remain alert so that you can react quickly to changes in road conditions.
That means avoiding distractions.
Don’t use your phone while driving.
Set up your navigation or music before you start driving.
Have in-car entertainment activities for children to occupy them during the journey.
Don’t eat and drink while driving.
The Role of Online Driving Schools
The National Safety Council (NSC) pioneered the first defensive driving course in 1964.
One study conducted by the NSC between 2019 and 2021 found that surchargeable traffic violations decreased significantly after drivers completed an online defensive driving course. Surchargeable violations are moving violations such as speeding, at-fault collisions, and DUIs.
According to the study, these types of offenses dropped by:
68% for drivers under 21 years old
74% for drivers 21-64 years old
85% for drivers 65 and older
Defensive driving online courses are quick and convenient. You can study from the comfort of your home and at your own pace. Once completed, you may even qualify for a discount on your car insurance rate — an added bonus!
Defensive Driving Might Save Your Life This Thanksgiving
The Thanksgiving travel period is fraught with additional risk on the road. But equipped with advanced driving skills, you could spot potential hazards ahead of time and take steps to avoid an accident.
Share these defensive driving tips with friends and family who are traveling to Thanksgiving celebrations so that they, too, can reach their destination safely.
Updated 11/20/2024
