If you’re among the many people who will be traveling over the Christmas holiday, you may encounter some challenges. This is, of course, typical for any holiday travel. To keep you and your family safe, we’ve compiled some holiday road travel safety tips for you to keep in mind.
Make Sure Your Car is Safe
You may be stuck in the car for a long time, so make sure your car is safe. Some things that you can do before hitting the road are:
- Check Oil Levels
- Fill Windshield Washer Fluid
- Check Tire Pressure and Tread
Prepare for the Unexpected
Even if you check your car for issues ahead of time, the unexpected can occur. Your car may break down or you may be involved in an accident. It’s a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your car. This should include water, non-perishable food, warm blankets/clothing, road flares, etc. You may also want to review our Tips for Driving in Snow and Ice, since a wintry mix of weather is expected over the weekend.
Avoid Distractions
Distracted driving is a major cause of roadway accidents. This is therefore one of the most important holiday road travel safety tips. Before you get in your car, make sure everything you need is easily reachable. Load up your playlist, destination addresses, etc., so you can keep your eyes on the road. If you need to read or send messages, rely on other passengers in your car instead of doing it yourself. Fiddling with technology is a primary source of road distractions.
Another source are your passengers. Children can be needy, especially during long car rides. By making sure they have what they need in the back seat, you reduce the possible distractions from them. Here are some tips:
- Pack toys and electronics to keep children busy.
- Place snacks and drinks within their reach.
- Use spill-proof containers for drinks.
- Dress children in comfortable clothes and shoes.
If you can’t avoid a distraction, consider pulling over to a safe location first.
Remaining Calm
With so many cars on the road during the holidays, it can get a bit frustrating. You naturally want to get where you’re going quickly and without hassle. When issues, such as bumper to bumper traffic, do arise, try and remain calm. Look for ways to ease the tension, such as a calming playlist or playing road games with your kids. Remember that everyone is in the same boat as you, and getting upset will only ruin your holidays. By making the most of the situation, you can stay in the holiday spirit and help your family do the same.
We wish you and your family happy and safe holiday travels!
