Thanksgiving is about family, food, and being thankful. For a lot of people in South Florida, it also means a long drive. I-95, the Turnpike, and I-75 fill up fast the Wednesday before, and they stay packed through Sunday.
More cars, tired drivers, and holiday drinking make this one of the riskiest weekends of the year to be on the road. Here’s how to get to the table, and back home, safely.
Before you leave
- Check your car. Look at your tires, brakes, wipers, and lights. A quick check can stop a breakdown on a busy highway.
- Leave early or late. Wednesday afternoon is often the worst. If you can, head out in the morning or wait until the evening rush is over.
- Get some sleep. Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving. If you’re tired, rest first.
- Plan your route. Use a map app to avoid crashes and construction before you hit the road.
On the road
- Give yourself space. Leave plenty of room between you and the car ahead. Heavy traffic means sudden stops.
- Watch out for big trucks. Semis have large blind spots. If you can’t see the driver in their mirror, they can’t see you.
- Stay off your phone. Let a passenger handle the navigation and the group texts.
- Take breaks. Stop every two hours or so to stretch and reset.
The night before Thanksgiving
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is often called “Blackout Wednesday.” It’s a big night out for people home from college or work, and that means more drunk drivers on the road.
If you go out, plan a sober ride before your first drink. If you’re hosting dinner, offer non-alcoholic drinks and keep an eye on guests who need a ride home. Taking someone’s keys could save a life.
If you’re in a crash
A car accident can turn a happy holiday upside down. If it happens to you:
- Call 911 and report the crash. A police report helps your claim later.
- Get checked by a doctor within 14 days. Under Florida’s PIP law, you must get medical care within 14 days of the crash to use your PIP benefits. Some injuries, like whiplash, don’t show up right away.
- Take photos of all cars, the road, and your injuries.
- Swap information with the other driver and get witness contacts.
- Be careful with insurance companies. Don’t admit fault or accept a quick offer before you know how badly you’re hurt.
If a truck was involved, call a lawyer quickly. Trucking companies often send their own teams to the scene right away. You deserve someone looking out for you too.
Thankful to serve our community
At The Injury Advocates, we’re thankful for the South Florida families who trust us. If you or someone you love is hurt in a holiday crash, we’re here to help you understand your rights and fight for fair pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain.
Call 754-812-8444 for a free consultation. We’ll walk you through your options, with no pressure.
Happy Thanksgiving. Drive safe, and enjoy your time with the people you love.
This post is for general information only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Kweku Darfoor is the founder of The Injury Advocates (Darfoor Law Firm, P.A.), a member of The Florida Bar since 2014, and a Plantation-based personal injury attorney representing seriously injured people and their families across Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and South Florida. This content is for general information and is not legal advice.
