Thanksgiving brings warmth, tradition, and the joy of gathering with the people we love. But it also brings one of the busiest — and most dangerous — travel weeks of the year in Alabama. With crowded highways, out-of-town visitors, late-night driving, and holiday stress, even the most careful driver can face unexpected risks.
At The Law Offices of Brian A. Dasinger, our mission isn’t only to stand up for good people after an accident — it’s to help our community stay safe before one ever happens. This Thanksgiving, we’re sharing guidance to help protect your family, your peace of mind, and your legal rights on the road.
Holiday Travel Safety: Staying Protected on Alabama Roads This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving traffic looks different — more rushed, more emotional, more unpredictable. Here are steps you can take to travel with confidence and safeguard yourself legally during the holiday rush:
1. Prepare your vehicle like you’re preparing your home for guests.
Before Thanksgiving dinner, most of us tidy our homes, restock the pantry, and get everything ready for the people we care about.
Your vehicle deserves the same attention.
A quick check of tires, brakes, lights, fluids, and windshield wipers can prevent a dangerous situation in holiday traffic.
2. Travel with margin — not pressure.
One of the leading contributors to holiday accidents is rushing.
Leaving even 20–30 minutes earlier creates breathing room — reducing stress, lowering the risk of aggressive driving, and helping you stay focused.
A calm driver is a safer driver.
3. Set your phone and GPS before you shift into drive.
Around Thanksgiving, distractions multiply — texts about dinner plans, group chats, GPS rerouting, music changes.
Setting everything beforehand protects your safety and protects your legal position.
If an accident occurs, insurers look closely at distracted-driving behaviors, especially during holiday periods.
4. Watch for impaired or overtired drivers.
Thanksgiving weekend consistently ranks among the highest for DUI-related crashes.
Drivers traveling late at night or long distances may also be fatigued.
If you see swerving, late braking, or inconsistent speeds, keep extra distance and stay alert — especially on rural roads or highways like I-10 and Highway 98.
5. Have a plan before a problem happens.
In stressful moments, clarity disappears.
Before traveling, take a minute to prepare:
– Who will you call if something happens?
– Is your insurance card accessible?
– Do you know where you can safely pull over on your route?
A small plan goes a long way toward preventing panic after a collision.
6. Protect your words to protect your rights.
In Alabama, contributory negligence means that even 1% of fault can impact a claim.
During the holidays, insurers often try to close cases quickly.
You are never required to give a detailed statement immediately.
You can always say:
“I’ll provide a statement after speaking with my attorney.”
It’s simple, respectful, and keeps you legally protected.
7. Seek guidance early if a crash occurs.
You don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone.
From medical bills to insurance calls, early legal guidance can help prevent mistakes, preserve evidence, and ensure you’re treated fairly every step of the way.
Faith, Gratitude, and Safe Journeys
Thanksgiving is a season of gratitude — and part of gratitude is caring for one another.
Drive with patience. Give others grace. Arrive safely.
As Scripture reminds us:
“He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” — Psalm 91:11
May your travels be safe, your gatherings filled with joy, and your holiday season blessed.
Here for Our Neighbors, Always
If you or someone you love is injured in a car accident during Thanksgiving travel, we’re here to stand by you — with integrity, compassion, and courage.
Content checked by Brian A. Dasinger, personal injury attorney at The Law Offices of Brian A. Dasinger.
Brian Dasinger is the founder of The Law Offices of Brian A. Dasinger, a trusted law firm serving clients throughout Baldwin and Mobile Counties in Alabama. Since 2005, Brian has built a practice known for compassion, courtroom strength, and relentless advocacy.
With experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney, Brian brings a powerful perspective to personal injury and criminal defense cases. He’s been recognized among Top 100 Trial Lawyers. Brian stands ready to fight for your future.