Holiday Driving Safety

Every year around the holidays, millions of Americans make plans to visit friends and family. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years represent three of the busiest long-distance travel periods of the year. Since over 90% of this travel is done by personal vehicle, traffic patterns are often significantly affected. Congestion combined with the potential for reduced road safety due to snow and ice means that holiday travel is not without its risks. And, even if you commute every day, long road trips come with unique challenges. The key to a safe and easy holiday season is preparation and patience.

Before You Leave

Before a trip even starts, there are a few things you can do to ensure a smooth experience.

  • Make sure your engine doesn’t vibrate, shake, or knock going over bumps. If it does, see a mechanic before you leave.
  • Check engine fluid levels. This should include an oil change and checking brake fluid, transmission fluid, and engine coolant.
  • Replace your battery if need be. Batteries typically last between three and five years.
  • Test all of your electrical equipment, especially the lights and horn.
  • Gauge the pressure of all of your tires, including the spare. Make sure you have the necessary gear to change your tires, if needed.

Another important step of preparation is research. Know the specific road laws of each state you are going to pass through. If you have the time, try to avoid the traffic in major cities. It is important to have the general weather forecast for the span of the trip, as well. If your path goes through an area expecting snow consider switching to winter tires.

Don’t forget to pack an emergency roadside kit. You can buy prepackaged gear, but a good rule of thumb is that it should include at least a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, road flares, a flashlight and batteries, extra drinking water and food, and a multi-purpose tool. If your holiday trip is to northern states, it may also be a good idea to bring an ice scraper and blankets in case you become stranded.

On the Road

Holiday Road Trip - Snow

Driving in the winter can be different than the rest of the year. With an increased chance of slick roads from sleet or snow, it is important to be cautious. Make sure when you switch lanes and turn, you are deliberate in your motions. Sharp turns can cause a spinout. Look and steer where you want to go. Acceleration and deceleration in the snow should be handled carefully, as well. Quick acceleration can cause your tires to lose traction. Keep this in mind when you are driving in areas with hills. Build up speed on a flat road and use inertia to carry you up the hill. Descend as slowly as possible, but try to avoid heavy braking.

No matter where you are driving though, you should always practice safe and defensive driving and good etiquette on the road. Here are some helpful reminders:

  • Maintain a safe driving distance. Keep in mind that in inclement weather, this distance should be extended.
  • Don’t cruise in the passing lane and if someone wants to pass, get over as quickly and safely as possible.
  • Monitor the use of high-beam lights. At night high beams can be blinding to oncoming drivers.
  • Avoid distracted driving.
  • Take a break every two hours or 100 miles.
  • Stick with the flow of other vehicles. Impeding traffic by driving slowly can be just as dangerous as speeding.
  • Give stopped motorists and emergency vehicles on the roadside a lane of space.

Stay safe and Happy Holidays!