Black Friday’s almost here, and you know what that means: crazy deals and even crazier roads. If you’re heading out early, you’ll have a ton of company, and many of the people behind the wheel will be tired and distracted. It’s not the best formula for getting to and from your destinations safely, but don’t worry. A few simple tricks can help you handle the roads like a pro, so you can focus on your shopping instead of stressing about driving.
The Best Times to Hit the Roads on Black Friday
If you’re planning to brave the Black Friday crowds, timing your trip can make all the difference. And things have changed a bit.
While the worst traffic used to be at the crack of dawn and the evening hours, according to Google Maps’ 2024 traffic predictions, the roads will be busiest between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. So, if you’re hoping to dodge the worst of it, consider heading out a bit earlier or later.
Of course, driving in the dark brings its own set of challenges, like decreased visibility. So, that 4 a.m. departure time might not be the best option. For the smoothest trip, think about leaving between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. to beat the midday rush. Or, if you don’t mind waiting a bit, heading out after 2 p.m. could be a safe bet.
Remember that Black Friday brings other road challenges, no matter the time you leave. Packed parking lots, heavy pedestrian traffic near stores, and lots of stop-and-go congestion mean you must stay alert. With all the hustle and bustle, fender benders and even bigger traffic accidents are more likely, so give yourself plenty of time and keep a safe distance from other drivers.
Avoiding the Dangers of Drowsy Driving
After a day full of Thanksgiving feasting, it might sound fun to roll right into those midnight Black Friday sales or grab a quick nap before heading out early. But let’s be real: drowsy driving is dangerous, no matter how tempting those deals are.
Imagine this: you’ve loaded up on turkey and pie, set the alarm for 4 a.m., and you’re on the road before sunrise, barely awake. Your reflexes are slower, your focus is off, and even with the excitement of the sales, you find yourself drifting. That’s when mistakes happen. In 2022 alone, drowsy driving led to 963 deaths.
No matter how good the deals are, it's just not worth it. So, before you hit the road, make sure you’re well-rested. If you’re feeling too tired, grab a little more sleep, or consider waiting until you’re fully awake.
Keep Your Cool Behind the Wheel
Black Friday sales bring out the best deals — and sometimes the worst driving habits. Staying calm and practicing a few defensive driving tricks can keep you safe and make your day a lot smoother.
You’re likely to run into a lot of stop-and-go traffic, so keep a safe following distance. This will give you extra time to react if the car in front of you stops suddenly. Also, remember that there will be a lot more foot traffic around shopping areas. People might be tired, distracted, and not paying attention, so stay extra alert.
Road rage can also be a problem. When shoppers are in a rush, tempers can flare. If you encounter aggressive drivers weaving in and out of lanes or tailgating, don’t engage. Stay calm, let them pass, and keep your focus on your own safe driving. And when you finally arrive, consider parking a little further from the main entrance where it’s less congested or using a parking app to find a spot. Less time circling means more time for shopping — and keeps you out of the busiest traffic near store entrances.
Plan Your Route Like a Pro
A little planning can go a long way. Use traffic apps or the local news to get real-time traffic updates and avoid major backups. If you’re going to use a GPS, set it before you leave so it doesn’t create a distraction. If you know the area well, consider avoiding main roads and taking back roads instead. While it might take a bit longer to get there, you’ll have a less stressful ride and arrive ready to jump into shopping without feeling frazzled.
Set Yourself Up for a Safe Holiday Season
Black Friday can be chaotic, but a few smart driving habits can make all the difference. With a bit of planning, you can avoid the stress and focus on the excitement of the day. Take your time, stay alert, and be patient — these small steps go a long way in keeping you safe amid the holiday rush.
Want to give yourself even more of an edge before you brave the roads this season? Sign up for iDriveSafely’s Online Defensive Driving Course. It’s the best way to sharpen your driving skills — and it could even earn you an insurance discount.
Updated 11/25/2024
