Stress-Free Travel: Essential Thanksgiving Road Trip Safety Tips for New Yorkers

BLITZ LAW GROUP
Nov 25, 2025
3 min read

Thanksgiving is a beloved holiday, but for millions of New Yorkers, it means one thing: hitting the road. As you plan your escape upstate or your drive out of state to visit family, the biggest threats aren't traffic jams—they're icy roads, unpredictable late-fall weather, and the legal headache of an out-of-state accident. Prioritizing Thanksgiving road trip safety is crucial to ensuring your holiday remains happy.

Woman in red sweater and white knit hat leans out car window on snowy road, surrounded by snow-covered pine trees under a clear sky.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter Weather

November weather can be fickle, easily swinging from clear skies to sleet or sudden ice. Preparing your vehicle for these conditions is your first line of defense against an accident.

Tires are Everything: Check your tire pressure and tread depth. Cold weather causes air pressure to drop, affecting handling. Ensure your tires have enough tread to grip wet or slushy roads. Consider changing to winter tires if you’re traveling to mountain regions.
Wipers and Fluids: Top off your windshield washer fluid (use a freeze-resistant mix!). Ensure your wiper blades are in excellent condition, as heavy rain or freezing spray can instantly blind you.
Emergency Kit: Pack a complete emergency kit, including warm blankets, non-perishable food, a flashlight, flares or reflective triangles, sand or kitty litter (for traction on ice), and jumper cables.
Check the Battery: Cold weather drains batteries faster. Get your battery tested before you leave to avoid a holiday breakdown.

When the Worst Happens: Steps After an Accident

Even the most prepared driver can be involved in a collision caused by another person's negligence. Knowing the steps to take immediately after an accident is vital, especially when it comes to protecting your legal claim.

Safety First: Move your vehicle to the side of the road if possible and turn on your hazard lights. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
Call the Police: Always call 911. A police report creates an official record of the accident, which is necessary for any insurance or legal claim.
Document Everything: Take extensive photos and videos of the scene, including damage to both cars, the road conditions (ice, rain), and the license plates of all vehicles involved.
Gather Information: Collect the name, contact information, insurance details, and driver’s license number from the other driver(s). Also, get contact information from any witnesses.
Do NOT Admit Fault: Never apologize or admit fault, even if you think you were to blame. Stick only to the facts when speaking with police or the other driver.
Seek Medical Attention: Get checked out immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Medical documentation is crucial for your case.

Thanksgiving Road Trip Safety: Out-of-State Legal Complications

If you are involved in a collision outside of New York, the legal process becomes much more complex due to differing state laws.

No-Fault vs. Tort States: New York is generally a "No-Fault" state, meaning your own insurance covers minor injuries regardless of who caused the accident. Many other states operate under a traditional "Tort" system. If you're involved in an accident in a Tort state, you may be required to sue the at-fault driver in their home state to recover damages.
Insurance Policy Reach: While your New York insurance typically covers you anywhere in the U.S., determining liability and negotiating settlements requires navigating the local laws of the state where the crash occurred.
Legal Representation: If you are seriously injured, you need a law firm that either handles multi-state litigation or can partner with local counsel to protect your rights effectively. Choosing a local firm in the crash state can be challenging, but choosing an experienced attorney at Blitz Law Group who is familiar with catastrophic injury claims is paramount.

Don't let a collision ruin your holiday. By prioritizing preparation and knowing these steps, you can focus on what truly matters: family and gratitude.