This post is the second in a series of Thanksgiving posts. Stay tuned from now until Thanksgiving to read about how you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe on the roads this holiday season and beyond.
During the financial crisis in 2008, there was a 25% drop in Thanksgiving traffic, making the crowded roads just a little more bearable. But it looks like this year things will be a little bit busier. According to AAA, an estimated 33.2 million people will be hitting the roads next week, a 2.1% increase over last year’s numbers.
Officials at AAA have said that the increase in drivers this year could signal that the economy is recovering. Another possible reason for the increase in traffic is that gasoline prices are lower than last year–in fact gas is about $1 per gallon cheaper on average than it was this time last year.
The increase in traffic just means that drivers need to be more aware of their surroundings and be prepared to slow or stop suddenly. That means putting away cell phones, laptops, and any other items that might distract you while driving. For more information on why you should stay distraction free while driving, see the first post in our Thanksgiving series.
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Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Since 1972 he has been helping seriously injured victims throughout northern California fight & win their personal injury cases. Andy is one of the top awarded & recognized wrongful death lawyers in northern California.