8 Tips for Avoiding a Car Accident Over Thanksgiving (Colorado)
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, especially across Colorado highways and mountain corridors. With heavier traffic, changing weather, and long drives to visit family, the risk of car accidents increases significantly. Taking a few proactive steps can help you reduce that risk and arrive safely.
Below are eight practical tips to help you avoid a car accident during Thanksgiving travel.
1) Plan Your Trip Ahead of Time
Before heading out, plan your route carefully. Check for traffic congestion, road construction, and weather conditions—particularly if you’ll be traveling on major corridors like I-25, I-70, or mountain passes.
If possible, avoid peak travel times such as Wednesday afternoon and evening. Planning ahead helps reduce stress and prevents sudden lane changes or rushed driving decisions.
2) Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Road-Ready
A quick vehicle check can prevent breakdowns that lead to dangerous roadside situations or collisions.
Before you go:
- Check tire tread and air pressure
- Make sure brakes, lights, and windshield wipers are working
- Top off fluids and ensure your defroster and heater function properly
A well-maintained vehicle is safer and more reliable—especially in late-fall weather.
3) Avoid Driving While Fatigued
Long holiday drives and late-night travel increase the risk of drowsy driving. Fatigue slows reaction times and impairs judgment in ways similar to alcohol.
To stay alert:
- Get a full night’s sleep before driving
- Take breaks every 2–3 hours
- Rotate drivers when possible
If you feel tired, pull over safely. No destination is worth risking your life.
4) Always Wear Your Seatbelt
Seatbelts are one of the simplest and most effective safety tools available. Wearing a seatbelt significantly reduces the risk of serious injury or death in a crash.
Make sure every passenger is buckled up—no exceptions, even for short trips.
5) Never Drive Impaired
Thanksgiving celebrations often include alcohol, but impaired driving remains a leading cause of serious crashes.
If you plan to drink:
- Designate a sober driver
- Use a rideshare or taxi
- Stay overnight rather than driving
Driving under the influence endangers everyone on the road and carries severe legal consequences in Colorado.
6) Minimize Distractions
Distracted driving is especially dangerous during high-traffic holiday travel.
To stay focused:
- Put your phone away or use hands-free settings
- Let passengers help with navigation
- Avoid eating, texting, or adjusting controls while driving
Keeping your attention on the road can prevent split-second mistakes.
7) Slow Down and Keep a Safe Following Distance
Holiday traffic often involves sudden stops and unpredictable driving patterns. Speeding or tailgating reduces your ability to react safely.
Maintain at least a three-second following distance in normal conditions—and increase it in bad weather or heavy traffic. Slowing down helps prevent rear-end collisions, one of the most common crash types during holiday travel.
8) Be Prepared for Weather Changes
Colorado weather can change quickly in late November. Snow, ice, fog, and freezing temperatures all increase accident risk.
If conditions worsen:
- Reduce speed
- Use headlights in low visibility
- Pull over safely if necessary
Driving cautiously in poor weather can make a critical difference.
What If You’re Injured Over Thanksgiving?
Even careful drivers can’t control the actions of others. If you’re injured in a car accident during Thanksgiving travel in Colorado, you may have the right to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact Pushchak Law today for a free consultation.
If you or someone else has life-threatening injuries, call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
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