Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers | November 18, 2025 | Personal Injury
Thanksgiving brings family, food, and travel across the country, and countless households plan road trips for this holiday. High travel volume turns highways and local roads into slow, crowded paths with frequent stops, unexpected turns from other drivers, and emotions based on stress or excitement. The chance of an accident rises during this busy time.
A joyful holiday may suddenly shift into a dangerous situation on the road if you don’t prepare. Continue reading to learn how to stay safe on the roads during the holiday season.
Thanksgiving Travel Risks You Need to Know
Holiday travel carries unique problems. Roads hold far more cars than usual, and long lines form near toll plazas, exit ramps, and rest stops. This crowd presence raises stress for many drivers. Sudden lane changes, harsh braking, and speeding often lead to collisions. You face constant motion near you, and one careless act from someone else may change your holiday plans in seconds.
Nightfall often arrives early in late November, and darkness reduces visibility. Distance, speed, and spatial awareness are more important at this time of year. Traffic density and fewer daylight hours create an environment where mistakes carry real consequences.
Safe Driving Habits for Heavy Holiday Traffic
Heavy traffic tests patience and discipline. Leave early to allow extra time for your trip and avoid last-minute panic on the road. A generous cushion between your car and the car ahead provides space for safe stops. Tailgating often leads to rear-end collisions, and those accidents frequently result in injuries that disrupt your holiday.
Smooth steering input and deliberate decisions build safety and reduce stress. Stay calm when someone else acts without care or courtesy.
Weather and Road Conditions to Watch for on Thanksgiving
Weather shifts quickly in late November. Snowfall, rain, and ice appear without lengthy notice and create slick pavement. Road crews in some regions remain prepared for early winter weather, but wet leaves on asphalt also pose a danger. Review the forecast for your route and remain flexible with your schedule if conditions worsen. Drive slower and leave extra space between vehicles when roads appear wet or slippery.
Tips to Protect Your Family During Holiday Travel
Seat belts save lives and prevent severe injuries in a car accident, so ensure proper use by every person inside your car. Child safety seats and booster seats matter just as much. Secure cargo inside your vehicle so loose objects do not strike passengers during sudden stops. Sudden impacts from unsecured items often cause harm during accidents.
What to Do After a Thanksgiving Car Crash
Your first priority after a Thanksgiving car crash is to protect yourself and anyone else involved. Check for injuries and call emergency services if anyone needs medical help. If it’s safe, move your vehicle out of traffic and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Important steps to take include:
- Checking for injuries and calling 911
- Moving your vehicle out of the roadway, if possible
- Exchanging identification and insurance information
- Taking photos of the scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, and visible injuries
- Getting contact details for any witnesses
These steps help create a clear record of what happened and protect you later.
Next, report the crash to law enforcement. A police report often plays a major role in insurance negotiations or legal claims. Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Many injuries—especially soft-tissue or internal injuries—take hours or days to show symptoms once adrenaline fades.
Serious crashes can create both physical and financial stress, and thorough documentation supports your legal rights and strengthens any future claim.
Contact the Stuart Personal Injury Attorneys at Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers for Help Today
A holiday crash often leaves confusion, stress, and medical bills. Fortunately, you may be able to take action to hold another driver responsible if they caused your accident.
That’s where Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers can help. Our Stuart personal injury lawyers can guide you through each step with precision and respect.
For more information, please contact the Stuart, Port St. Lucie, or Palm Beach Gardens personal injury law firm of Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Martin County, St. Lucie County, Palm Beach County, and its surrounding areas in Florida:
Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Stuart
73 SW Flagler Ave
Stuart, FL 34994
(772) 444-7000
Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Port St. Lucie
1100 SW St. Lucie West Blvd. Ste 202
Port St Lucie, FL 34986
(772) 247-3374
Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Palm Beach Gardens
300 Ave of the Champions Ste 170
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
(561) 944-4000
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