With Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and every event in between, millions of Americans are traveling this weekend. No matter your destination, the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm hopes you have a festive, happy and safe holiday weekend.
Car Safety
If you haven™t already, now is the time to prep your car for winter travel. Here are a few tips to help ensure you are traveling safely:
- Prepare a road safety kit
- Check your lights, tires, and battery
- Replace wiper blades
- Make sure your tires are the correct pressure
- Consider winter tires
Far too many serious accidents and deaths occur when drivers have to pull over due to weather or car trouble. If you become stuck in snow or must pull to the side of the road, stay with your car, do not try to walk to safety. Instead, tie a bright cloth to your antennae, and start the car to use the heater for about ten minutes every hour. This is also where your road safety kit comes in handy.
The importance of tire safety cannot be stressed enough. For more information on potential tire defects, proper pressure amounts, and common misconceptions, read our blog post here.
Personal Health
For those of you traveling by planes or trains, remember that November is the beginning of flu season. People who have been sick can be contagious for up to a week before symptoms appear. Handle your own belongings as much as possible, or even bring hand sanitizer or antibacterial wipes with you. For longer trips, bring your own blankets or travel pillows that can act as a shield against surfaces. Avoid touching your face, especially the eyes and mouth, as much as possible. If you do have to cough or sneeze, do so into your sleeve or a tissue.
Keep in mind that Costco recently recalled its rotisserie chicken salad after reports of E. coli contamination. Nearly 20 people in seven states have reported severe illness from the chicken salad, prompting the national recall. E. coli is particularly harmful – and potentially fatal – in children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems. More information on this recall can be found here.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-934-6555
The two most dangerous injuries that commonly occur on Thanksgiving weekend are car accidents and coronary events. According to federal data, there were 764 fatal auto accidents on Thanksgiving day in 2012, and 50,000 non-fatal accidents. About 60% of those killed were not wearing seat belts, and 40% of fatal crashes involved a drunk driver.
Experts point to behavioral changes around Thanksgiving holiday to explain the rise in heart attacks this season. Excessive consumption of salt, alcohol and food combined with psychological or emotional stress takes its toll. People may also forget their medications when they travel. Stay aware before taking off for the holiday. Take your time and leave early, if necessary, to allow plenty of time to get to your destination.
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The auto accident attorneys at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm are here to assist you with any questions you may have about a potential injury. We offer free legal consultations to victims and families nationwide.
Call or text 800-934-6555 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
