ADS Logistics Supply Chain Management Blog

Where truckers can grab a meal this Thanksgiving

  

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Thanksgiving is the kickoff to the holiday season. It is a great time to celebrate and be grateful for all that we have as well as see family members and other loved ones. There is no doubt the holiday season is one of the best times of the year. However, the season also marks one of the busiest travel times of the year. So many people hop in their cars and drive to airports or relatives’ homes to celebrate turkey day. With more cars on the road there is increased danger on highways and other roads, especially trucking routes. Main trucking routes will be very congested during peak travel hours this weekend so it is especially important for truckers to be safe as well as all other drivers.

There is not only danger due to crowded roads, but also there is a much higher risk for drunk driving accidents. In 2008, there were 502 traffic fatalities during the Thanksgiving weekend, including 179 (or 36 percent) drunk driving fatalities. (In 2009, 411 people died during the four-day Thanksgiving holiday. Out of those deaths, 34 percent involved alcohol-impaired driving. The year prior, 507 people died over a four-day period (35% alcohol-related). In fact, Thanksgiving is the second most dangerous driving holiday next to the Fourth of July.  

To make sure your holiday is enjoyable here are some Thanksgiving truck driver tips to stay safe on the road:

• Prepare your vehicle for long distance travel. Check your wipers and fluids. Have your radiator and cooling system serviced. Simple maintenance can prevent many of the problems that strand motorists on the side of the road.
• Plan ahead. Before you get on a highway, know your exit by name and number, and watch the signs as you near the off-ramp. Drivers making unexpected lane changes to exit often cause accidents.
• Don’t cut in front of large trucks. Remember that trucks are heavier and take longer to make a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
• Use a map or GPS. Surprisingly, few motorists plan their routes, even when driving through unfamiliar areas. Knowing the road is essential for safe driving – it allows you to anticipate lane changes and avoid a panicked search for directions.
• Leave early and avoid risks. Leave early and allow for delays in your travel schedule. Know your limitations; don’t drive when tired, upset or physically ill.
• Be aware of trucks’ blind spots. When sharing the road with large trucks, be aware of their blind spots. If you can’t see the truck driver in his or her mirrors, then the truck driver can’t see you.

These are all great tips for the average driver on Thanksgiving, but what about the truckers themselves? For truckers, it can be a very lonely holiday if it must be spent away from friends and family. The least truck stops nationwide can offer is some good food that tastes like a nice home cooked meal. That is why the Country Market Restaurants at the Flying J Truck Stops are offering a holiday buffet for drivers on the road.

“They'll serve dinner from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Nov. 27, and the buffet includes roast turkey, roast ham, fried chicken, Salisbury steak and glazed meatloaf for the entrées. Stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and vegetables round out the meal.”

The food will hopefully make them feel at home and make missing a family holiday a little more bearable. We wish all truckers and drivers a safe and happy holiday.