NEW WINDSOR, N.Y. (November 20, 2018) — AAA predicts more than 54 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, which has one of the highest rates of serious motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. Mobile Life Support Services, the largest emergency medical provider in the Hudson Valley, shares safety tips and advice for those planning roads later this week.
“Thanksgiving is a day to celebrate the thing we cherish most: our families,” said Mobile Life President & CEO Scott Woebse. “But for many of our EMTs and Paramedics, it’s also just another day of keeping our communities safe. It’s important for drivers to be prepared for congested roadways and take precautions to ensure safe travels and avoid ending up in the back of one of our rigs.”
Mobile Life recommends these tips to help drivers prepare themselves and their vehicles for challenges that may arise during Thanksgiving travel:
Be patient. During busy travel times, expect to hit traffic. It’s better to be late for dinner than to speed or drive recklessly. It may make sense to drive late at night or early in the morning to avoid the rush and ensure you get to your destination on time and with minimal stress.
Be prepared. Bring supplies in the event of an accident or medical issue. Stock your car with an emergency kit—especially a flashlight, blanket, first-aid kit and some basic tools. Also, bring water and extra snacks, just in case.
Don’t be distracted. Cell phones and driving don’t mix. If you need to send a message or make a call, hand your phone to a passenger or pull over. It’s not worth risking your life or others on the road.
Don’t drink and drive. Nearly half of fatal Thanksgiving car crashes involve alcohol-impaired driving. Plan ahead and assign a designated driver.
Buckle up. Always wear your seat belt. Make sure children are properly secured in a car seat and are seated in the rear seats if they are under 13.
Watch for weather. If you’re driving in wintry weather, make sure you clear off the snow and ice from your car for better visibility, allow for longer braking distances and reduce your speed.
Keep control. Don’t drive when tired, upset or physically ill. There could be a variety of scenarios on the road, so you need to be alert and be prepared to get through any challenge.
To learn more about Mobile Life Support Services, visit www.mobilelife.com.
About Mobile Life Support Services, Inc.
Mobile Life Support Services, Inc. is a New York State Certified Advanced Life Support paramedic ambulance company that provides emergency services to communities and healthcare facilities throughout the Hudson Valley Region of New York State, including the counties of Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Ulster, and Westchester. Founded in 1981 by Rick and Gayle Metzger, Mobile Life is composed of more than 500 EMS professionals across the region and operates a fleet of more than 60 ambulances and 26 stations. With a collective population of more than 1,000,000 residents, Mobile Life handles approximately 100,000 calls per year. For more information, visit www.mobilelife.com.
