How to travel safely during the Thanksgiving holiday

Last week’s lake effect snowstorm in the Buffalo area was an epic weather event. Also, as temperatures were forecasted to warm up, fears arose that flooding would grip the area as well. As of today, it is predicted that flooding will largely be avoided, which is good news for people who had to dig out from the previous storm.

However, another storm predicted for our region cannot come at a more inopportune time; the Thanksgiving holiday. According to the American Automobile Association, more than 46 million people will be travelling, with a large majority of these travelers taking to the road. With the combination of additional traffic and the possibility of poor weather, drivers must be vigilant in order to avoid accidents.

After all, drivers in Syracuse and throughout central New York have a duty to use reasonable care while operating a motor vehicle. This commonly means that drivers must reduce their speeds in inclement conditions, they must leave some additional space between vehicles ahead of them when conditions are challenging, and they must avoid driving under the influence of alcohol, among a few things.

If a driver fails to meet one (or more) of these safety requirements, and such a failure leads to an accident, the offending driver could be held liable for the ensuing property damage and injuries. Those injured in a crash may seek compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages and other damages.

The preceding is not legal advice. If you have questions about your rights and options, an experienced personal injury attorney can help.