The holiday season is approaching quickly and for most of us, that means we have to travel to see our loved ones. This means, an increase in holiday-related traffic on the roadways. The vast majority of trips this fall — 80% — will be road trips, according to AAA. Families are looking to spend the holidays with their family since most haven’t been able to this year.
To keep you and your vehicle safe this travel season, we have put together a list of travel safety tips.
Safety tip #1: Be sure to check road conditions ahead of time
You can’t predict the weather or the road conditions, especially if you are traveling across the country, but checking the road conditions before you head out can save you costly issues on the road. You can find traffic and weather-related information on https://wego.here.com/traffic or weather.com and of course, your local weather stations for weather within your area. There are also many useful apps that will keep you up to date with the road conditions during the time you travel.
Safety tip #2: Pack emergency supplies
Extra food, water and warm clothes can go a long way should you get stuck and not be able to make it out. You can find great emergency supply bags on amazon for a great price that include emergency blankets and collapsable water bottles and fit in a small pack so they do not take a lot of room. As the saying goes, be prepared for the worst and hope for the best.
Safety tip #3: Prep your car for travel
Prepping your car for travel is always a good idea. Making sure your tires are properly filled, the oil is changed, and the windshield solvent is filled. Also, make sure if it is snowing where you are, make sure you have an ice scrapper and even an extra pair of gloves inside to keep you warm while cleaning your windows.
Safety tip #4: Keep your cell phone charged
Ensuring your cell phone is charged means if anything was to occur you don’t have to be stranded, you can call for help should you need it. Be sure to leave your phone on ‘do not disturb’ while you’re driving to remove any unnecessary distractions.
Safety tip #5: Buckle up!
We’ve all heard it – ‘Click it or ticket’ slogan. This slogan was created to help save lives. Make sure everyone within your vehicle is buckled up and safe before you pull out of your parking space. This ensures you’re doing your part to keep everyone in your car is safe.
Safety tip #6: Do not drink and drive
Just don’t do it. Alcohol effects everyone. During the holiday season there are many families traveling on these roads. You’re not only putting yourself in danger, but the families as well. Even if you’ve had one drink – it’s not worth it. There’s plenty of ride share services that can get you where you need to go – uber.com and lyft.com or even local taxi services. Keep everyone safe this season.
Safety tip #7: Don’t speed
If you’re worried you’re going to be late – leave a little earlier. We already know there’s going to be an increase of roadway travelers this season – plan ahead. Grandma’s dinner is at 7 pm, it takes 1 hour to get there – but you want to be there by 5 – maybe leave at 3 this year. Not everyone moves at the same speed you do.