If you’re a typical American, you would be one of those folks who are hosting or attending a Thanksgiving dinner in a few days. A Thanksgiving dinner is always a great opportunity to reunite with loved ones, most of whom you probably haven’t seen for a long time. It is a time of feasting on turkey, pumpkin pie, candied yams, cranberry sauce, and other traditional Thanksgiving fare.
But did you know that one of the happiest American holidays is also one of the deadliest? In New Hampshire alone, there were more than 100 fatalities due to road accidents. This is partly due to road conditions during the season, as well as the general festive mood giving rise to increased alcohol intake and consequent mishaps by drunk drivers.
Check Weather Reports Before Traveling
Visitors to New Hampshire during Thanksgiving face less deadly but inconvenient situations, usually caused by weather conditions. Last year, some airlines had to divert, reschedule, or even cancel flights due to New Hampshire and nearby states because of an impending snowstorm. What a way to spoil your Thanksgiving plans!
Fortunately, this year’s weather forecasts for New Hampshire during Thanksgiving week promises to be more pleasant. Temperatures will average between 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit, with mostly sunny to cloudy conditions around Thursday.
To make your travel to and around New Hampshire free of an automobile accident and worries, here are some useful travel safety tips.
For road travelers:
• Check the condition of your engine, brakes, and tires before leaving.
• Clean your headlights and windshield.
• Make sure you have adequate fuel especially as you go through rural areas where refilling stations may be sparse.
• Make sure you have a full battery load on your cell phone.
• Check local weather forecasts and road conditions of the routes you are using.
• Review the route you will take. Don’t rely on GPS alone to determine the route for you.
• Be properly equipped with drinking water, first aid kit, flashlight, and food during your road trip.
• Never drink and drive. Ask someone else to drive if you plan on drinking during the drive.
• Follow all traffic laws, most especially about speed limits.
• Turn on headlights during foggy conditions and after dark.
• Give lots of time allowance for traveling. Never be in a rush.
• Give yourself brief moments to stop and rest. You can stop by a roadside eatery or gas station.
• Sing, chat, or listen to the radio to keep yourself awake during driving.
• Be mindful of animal crossings or fallen trees that may obstruct your path. This is pretty common in rural and mountain areas.
• Be ready to spend the night at your host’s place or a local inn if you are too tired to drive.
And for air travelers:
• Book your flight early. If possible, schedule your arrival dates at least one or two days before Thanksgiving Day.
• Before going to the airport, check the status of your flight.
• Do online check-in and confirmation to avoid delays and hassles at the airport.
• Be mindful of people’s behavior at the airport, and report any suspicious-looking ones. While it is remote that terrorists may be lurking in the area, this is still a possibility.
• Always follow all airline security policies.
Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!