Staying Safe on the Road this Holiday Season

Preparation is everything

If you’re traveling this holiday season, one thing’s for sure, you won’t be the only one on the road. Accidents, slow speeds and or poor weather can make any trip frustrating. But if you consider these tips you can make your journey much more enjoyable.

Find the best route

Do a little homework. Find out which roads are likely to have heavy traffic and try to find an alternate route. You might find that a route with more mileage actually gets you to where you want to be faster.

Pick the best day to travel

If possible, avoid the most popular travel by leaving a day early or extending your trip a day. For example, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving may save you some highway headaches while giving you extra time with family and friends.

Hope for the best. Plan for the worst.

Hopefully you’ll make it to your destination with zero issues. But stuff happens—like unexpected weather, accidents, breakdowns and even illnesses. That’s why it’s a good idea to pack extra water, food, blankets, warm clothes, and even a small snow shovel if you’re traveling in colder climates. You might not ever need any of these things, but it’ll be comforting to know they’re available. 

Make sure your vehicle maintenance is up-to-date

There’s not much worse than break downs during a family holiday trip. But, there are steps you can take to avoid them: Be sure to make sure your car is in good working order before you hit the road. Check your oil level and tire pressure. Make sure your headlights, tail lights and brake lights are working properly. If something doesn’t seem right, have a mechanic give your vehicle a once-over before you leave home.

Have fun!

By making the right preparations and plans, you can increase your chances of having a healthy, happy holiday trip. Remember, the journey is the destination!