Thanksgiving is the one day a year we push limits: too much food, too much travel, and too many cooks in the kitchen! This can be a massive, annual safety risk – but it doesn’t have to be. Before you hit the road or turn on the oven, stop and check this list. Your family’s safety may depend on it!

Travel Safety

Thanksgiving travel is legendary. With more cars on the road than any other holiday, defensive driving isn’t just a suggestion—it’s truly a life-saver.

It’s critical to remember that over 40% of holiday car crashes involve alcohol, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA). Therefore, the number one rule is: DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE! Arrange for a ride or a sober driver in advance.

Next, address distracted driving. When you’re driving at 55 mph, taking your eyes off the road to text for five seconds is equivalent to driving the length of a football field blind. Put the phone away.

Before you leave, conduct a vehicle check or have a professional check your tires, wiper blades, and lights. Plan your route ahead of time, knowing both your primary path and any alternate ways to get to your destination. Since the weather may be a wildcard that requires drastically reduced speed and defensive driving in rain, fog, or snow, always check the forecast. Also, be prepared by checking your emergency kit to ensure your first-aid supplies are stocked and accessible. The simplest rule is the best: Buckle Up, Every Trip! As the driver, you must ensure every passenger is properly belted before moving the vehicle. Finally, while out shopping, practice parking lot patrol—drive slowly and keep an eye out for pedestrians in crowded areas.

Kitchen & Fire Safety

Did you know more home fires happen on Thanksgiving Day than any other? When you mix casual cooks, distracted hosts, and high-heat cooking, you can create an environment ripe for disaster.

• Deep Fryer Danger: Turkey fryers cause approximately 5 deaths, 50 injuries, and destroy 900 homes every year. If you must fry, read the instructions, monitor it constantly, and keep it far away from the house.
• Keep it Clear: Scan the kitchen floor for tripping hazards and keep matches, lighters, and knives out of reach of kids.
• Never Leave it Unattended: DO NOT walk away from food cooking on the stovetop. Stay in the kitchen!
• The Fire Fighting Kit: Keep baking soda on hand for grease fires (water makes them worse!). A household fire extinguisher should be nearby and accessible.
• Smoke Alarms Matter: When was the last time you changed your smoke alarm batteries? Check them today!
• Candle Caution: Never leave a candle burning unattended, especially near flammable items like curtains or potpourri.

Food Safety

With 51 million turkeys consumed, food poisoning risks skyrocket! Simple hygiene is the difference between a great meal and a trip to the ER.

• The Magic Number: Use a food thermometer! Cook your turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees measured at the innermost part of the thigh, wing, and breast.
• Stop Cross-Contamination: Use separate cutting boards for raw poultry and for fresh produce. Always wash your hands after handling raw meat.
• The Two-Hour Rule: Perishable food (like leftovers) can only be left out for a maximum of 2 hours before bacteria multiply to a dangerous level. Store leftovers or toss them!

Pet Safety

Don’t let your pet’s holiday treat become an emergency vet visit.

• Never Bones: Turkey and chicken bones can splinter and cause choking or serious internal damage. DO NOT give them to pets.
• Toxic List: Keep dogs away from all dishes containing onions, garlic, leeks, grapes, raisins, and chocolate. These foods are toxic to dogs.

Which of these safety areas are you most concerned about this year: Travel, Kitchen, or Food?

We represent people injured as a result of the careless and reckless acts of others. At the end of the day your case can only be settled one time and you need to know all of the facts beforehand. Insurance companies have paid our clients hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation because we uncover the facts. When insurance companies fail to offer full compensation, we are not intimidated at the prospect of going to trial. We help with serious injuries that require serious representation. We are the Law Offices of Guenard & Bozarth, LLP. Our attorneys have more than 60 years of experience specializing in only representing injured people. Call GB Legal 24/7/365 at 916-714-7672 or visit www.gblegal.com