Many people unfortunately lose their lives during the holiday season as they navigate roads to get to parties, to go shopping, to get to work, or to return home. Keeping a few certain tips in mind before you hit the road can help increase your chances of safely getting where you need to go.
Leave Early
Leave early to give yourself enough time to reach your destination. When you know you’re on schedule to arrive on time, you may feel calmer and be less likely to speed, both of which are beneficial for avoiding problematic driving and overall excess stress.
Have an Updated Emergency Kit
Check your car’s emergency kit and update it with new items, if necessary. Some items you should have on hand include flares, a window breaker, a car fire extinguisher, and a first aid kit. Keep a heavy blanket in the vehicle along with an extra set of clothes and footwear just in case of an emergency. Don’t forget to pack any medications or other things you may need daily as well.
Take Breaks During Long Drives
Driving tired can undoubtedly be incredibly dangerous for yourself and other drivers on the road. If you can’t share driving responsibilities with a trusted driver because you’re making a long trip alone, stop and take breaks. As much as you want to get to your destination ASAP, getting into a car accident on the way there won’t help matters.
Get an Inspection
Get your car inspected by a professional mechanic before the busy holiday season starts. If you’re planning on taking long road trips, getting the inspection right before you leave can be beneficial as a precaution to ensure everything looks good for your journey. Should the mechanic find a problem, they’ll have enough time to fix it before your departure date, leading to less stress on your part knowing your vehicle is in good condition for your trip.
Share Your Location
Sharing your location with at least one trusted loved one is a great way for someone to know where you are at all times for safety purposes. This is particularly beneficial if you’ll be taking a long drive. You can share your location indefinitely with this person or at least for the duration of your trip.
Leave Communication Until You Reach Your Destination
The holiday season tends to come with a lot of extra phone calls, text messages, and social media messages from people who want to catch up and get together. Consider putting your phone on “Do Not Disturb” while you’re driving so you’re not distracted by notifications and not tempted to reply. You’ll easily be able to respond once you reach your destination safely.
Taking precautions for your safety while you’re driving also helps you keep pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers safe so everyone can return home to their loved ones. Staying alert and preparing ahead of time can make a significant difference during the holiday season travel and throughout the rest of the year.
