8 Holiday Driving Safety Tips
The holidays are upon us! Tis the season for celebrating with family and loved ones… getting together with friends makes the holidays are one of the best times of the year! But added holiday events means more people on the road and an increased chance for an accident. These holiday driving tips can help you stay safe! It’s extra important to keep safety top of mind.
If you’re planning on traveling during the holidays, there’s a number of things to consider, especially if the winter weather plays in the mix. Keep the holiday spirit alive with these holiday driving safety tips.
Plan Ahead for Holiday Driving & Winter Weather
Decrease the stress of holiday travel by taking time to plan out your road trip ahead of time. You’re entire trip will be safer and your ride more enjoyable.
1. Get your insurance coverage right. It’s a smart idea to contact your insurance agent to review your accident coverage options, just in case the unexpected happens. It’ll give you peace of mind that you’ll have protection in place in case something were to happen on the road. Review your liability insurance limits to protect anyone you may accidentally hit, and review the coverage that protects the people in your car. Remember that even if the accident is not your fault, you need coverage to protect you in the event the offending party is not properly covered. Even a light crash a slippery road can cause a whiplash injury.
2. Get your car serviced. Making sure your car is in good working order is key to an easy trip. Check with your mechanic for a review of your brakes, tires and other items that may cause an unexpected problem. Will your trip include snow? It’s a great idea to winterize your vehicle and stock your car with a winter car survival kit — just in case something happens. And don’t forget those jumper cables!
3. Pad your travel time. It’s a rare occasion that your plan goes exactly as planned. Give yourself ample time to get to your destination. Rushing in bad weather and heavy traffic is never a good idea. Instead, plan on a longer trip filled with family sing-alongs, road games and treats or small presents along the way. Don’t forget to stop that that roadside restaurant or favorite truck stop for a relaxing experience.
4. Review winter driving awareness. If you haven’t driven in snow for a while, take the time to think it through. Practice stopping and turning in snow to give your mind and muscles a refresher on how to drive safely this winter. It’s also a real confidence booster. Be reminded of how much space you need to leave between you and the driver in front of you to make sure you have ample stopping time – especially if snow or ice challenges the drive.
5. Assign a designated driver. Holiday celebrations often include some form of alcohol… even the spiked punch or eggnog can call for a driver. Planning ahead makes it easier for everyone to enjoy happy hour and the safe ride home. Once the plans are made, thank that driver for being the real hero of your holiday road trip.
6. Tis the season for car break-ins and theft. With all the fun that holiday travel brings, it’s easy to forget that your car can be at risk for burglary or theft. Keep your car safe this holiday season by learning how to prevent car theft. Remember to move valuables to the trunk, or take your things out of the car for overnight stops. And, park mindfully. You may be able to reduce your chance of theft by parking in a well lit area that is often under video or personal surveillance.
Make Road Trips Smarter Using Your Smart Phone
Prepare your smart phone for the tip ahead. Travel smarter by leveraging the power of your smart phone this holiday season. Certain apps can help you get where you’re going more efficiently, and if something should happen while you’re out on the road, you’ll be glad you prepared your phone in advance.
7. Plan your drive with an app for directions and stops. Install a road trip app on your smartphone and map out your route. If possible, research heavy traffic times for the urban areas you’ll be passing to avoid the most congested times.
8. Don’t text and drive. Keep your passengers and the other cars on the road safer by avoiding distractions, like texting, fiddling with the music or eating while driving. If you’re the driver, let others deal with the cell phone or wait until you’re stopped. If you’re a passenger, help your driver do their job. Staying in communication with friends and family who are not traveling is often necessary, but not while behind the steering wheel. Don’t forget to bring a cell phone charger so you can make sure your phone is always charged in case of an emergency. If your car is Bluetooth enabled, pair your phone to your car before hitting the road for hands-free use.
Check Your Insurance.
One last item before you hit the road: Set aside a little time to review your auto coverage with your insurance agent. Taking 5 minutes to understand your insurance benefits can save you hours of stress and worry after an accident. Being safe is better than being sorry!
