Thanksgiving can be one of the deadliest periods of the year here in California. But do you know what makes this holiday one of the most hazardous? Here is a list of Thanksgiving hazards that can turn your holiday into the most dangerous day on your calendar:
Kitchen Mishaps
It doesn’t take long for something to go wrong while cooking. If you look away, even for just a moment, grease can ignite, or children can touch things they shouldn’t. According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires quadruple during the Thanksgiving Holiday. So, be cautious while cooking, don’t throw water onto grease fires, keep fire extinguishers handy, and keep an eye on children.
Increased Traffic
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Last year, AAA estimated that over 50 million Americans traveled over 50 miles to get to their holiday destinations. This year could be just as busy if not more so. Be careful to avoid roads like Highway 99, which are known for lots of traffic and dangerous conditions. It rained in the Bay Area on November 26, 2017, making the return home especially difficult for travelers. So, be aware of weather conditions as you travel. You should also plan to be on the road when traffic is lightest. Late afternoon, around 4:00 p.m., is usually when gridlock gets most intense the day before Thanksgiving.
Drunk Driving
People also tend to get carried away when celebrating during the holidays. That means more drunk drivers on the roads, which means you have to be more vigilant. Law enforcement usually puts up DUI checkpoints to help fight this trend. In 2017, increased DUI enforcement during the Thanksgiving holiday resulted in California Highway Patrol making 1,057 DUI arrests. But you shouldn’t rely solely on CHP’s enforcement measures. Make sure your holiday guests have designated drivers. People without designated drivers should look into ridesharing options in your area. If you are going to be driving during Thanksgiving, avoid traveling during the hours between midnight and 3:00 a.m. Drunk drivers are often on the road at that time of night.
If trouble still finds you despite all these precautions, call the authorities immediately. You should also remember to call Peters, Habib, McKenna, Juhl-Rhodes & Cardoza, LLP at (530)342-3593. We may be able help people who are injured by traffic accidents or drunk drivers over the Thanksgiving holiday.