Thanksgiving Travel Safety Tips for Long Island & NYC Families
David Lewis

From the Law Office of David R. Lewis, P.C. — Plainview’s hometown injury firm

The Thanksgiving holiday means packed roads, crowded parking lots, bustling supermarkets, and lots of rushing between Plainview, Nassau, Suffolk, and the boroughs. A little planning goes a long way toward keeping your family safe—and protecting your rights if a crash or fall happens despite your best efforts.

 

If you need help after an accident call (516) 933-7550 or visit lipilawyer.com. Our office is conveniently located at 527 Old Country Road, Plainview, NY.

1) Before You Hit the Road

  • Plan your route & timing. Avoid peak getaway times on the LIE (I-495), Northern & Southern State Parkways, and Sunrise Highway.

  • Winterize the car. Check tires, wipers, lights, battery, and washer fluid. Pack a flashlight, blanket, and phone charger.

  • Mind your insurance. In New York, PIP (no-fault) covers initial medical bills, but strong uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/SUM) limits safeguard you if the other driver lacks adequate coverage. Ask us if your limits fit your family’s needs.

  • Seat everyone correctly. Child seats and boosters save lives—double-check fit before long rides.

  • Share the wheel. Rotate drivers and schedule rest breaks to prevent drowsy driving.

2) Smart Driving on Holiday Week

  • Slow for congestion. Rear-end collisions surge during start-stop traffic. Keep distance and scan ahead.

  • Respect intersections. Boxed-in holiday routes amplify intersection risks—signal early; pause on green to watch for red-light runners.

  • Hands off the phone. Distracted driving is a top holiday hazard. Set navigation before moving.

  • Never drive impaired. If you see erratic driving, call 911 and keep your distance.

  • Weather aware. Early snow, black ice, and wet leaves turn ramps and bridges slick. Brake gradually and avoid sudden lane changes.

If you’re injured in a rear-end collision or intersection crash in Nassau or Suffolk, our team has extensive experience as a Long Island car accident lawyer and Nassau County rear-end collision lawyer.

3) Rideshare, Buses & Trains

Holiday gatherings often mean Uber, Lyft, NICE bus, Suffolk County Transit, the LIRR, and MTA subways or buses.

  • Rideshare safety. Confirm the plate, driver photo, and route. Sit in back; buckle up.

  • After a rideshare crash. App coverage and UM/SUM can apply—call a rideshare accident lawyer Nassau County to preserve your claim.

  • Transit incidents. If you’re hurt on an MTA bus, LIRR train, or at a station, strict notice of claim (90 days) rules may apply. We handle City of New York claims and MTA bus accident matters.

4) Parking Lots, Stores & Private Property

Thanksgiving shopping crowds increase slip, trip, and fall risks.

  • Spot hazards. Watch for puddles, tracked-in water, snow/ice, floor mats, potholes, and poor lighting.

  • Report & document. Notify management, take photos, and get witness names. Keep the shoes you wore.

  • We routinely pursue supermarket slip and fall, parking lot pothole, snow and ice fall, negligent security, stairway falls, and ceiling collapse claims across Long Island and NYC.

5) Trucks, Motorcycles, Bikes & Pedestrians

  • Give trucks room. Longer stopping distances and wider turns make holiday delivery corridors dangerous. We handle truck, 18-wheeler, semi, and commercial vehicle claims.

  • Watch for riders & walkers. Dusk comes early—use lights and reflective gear. We represent motorcycle, bicycle, scooter, crosswalk/pedestrian injuries, and school sports concussions from holiday tournaments.

6) After an Accident: What to Do (NY Focus)

  1. Call 911 and get medical care—even if you “feel fine.”

  2. Exchange information and photograph damage, scene, and injuries.

  3. Don’t argue fault or post on social media.

  4. No-fault (PIP) deadlines are short; notify promptly.

  5. Talk to a lawyer early. We deal with insurers, evaluate the serious injury threshold, and pursue diminished value when appropriate. We can also explain typical timelines (e.g., how long a car accident settlement takes in NY) and what to expect at an IME.

  6. Know the clock. New York generally has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury (shorter for certain municipal claims and wrongful death). Call to confirm your exact deadline.

Why Choose David R. Lewis, P.C.

  • Local, Plainview-based: Your Plainview personal injury lawyer serving Nassau and Suffolk.

  • Proven results & reviews: Many clients call us the best personal injury lawyer on Long Island—see our David R. Lewis reviews.

  • All accident types covered:

    • Auto: car crash, rear-end, intersection, uninsured/underinsured motorist, Uber/Lyft, truck/18-wheeler, commercial vehicle

    • Premises: slip & fall, trip & fall, snow & ice, supermarket, parking lot pothole, negligent security, ceiling collapse, stairway

    • Construction: Labor Law 240 (scaffold), Labor Law 241 (ladder), Labor Law 200 (falling objects), third-party jobsite claims

    • Serious injuries: traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord & paralysis, amputation, burns, fractures, wrongful death

    • Other: defective products, dangerous household products, sports injuries, animal attacks/dog bites, nursing home abuse/neglect & bed sores

  • Bilingual help: Spanish-speaking (Abogado de accidentes / Abogado de lesiones personales en Long Island).

  • No fee unless we win and free consultation—book a free case evaluation today.

Our Long Island & NYC Service Areas

Plainview, Syosset, Hicksville, Jericho, Bethpage, Old Bethpage, Melville, Farmingdale, Levittown, Westbury, Garden City, Mineola, East Meadow, Uniondale, Massapequa, Oyster Bay, Glen Cove, Huntington, Smithtown, Islip, Babylon; plus Brooklyn & Queens.

Call or Visit

David R. Lewis, P.C.
Address: 527 Old Country Road, Plainview, NY
Phone: (516) 933-7550 (David Lewis)
Website: lipilawyer.com