Holiday Driving Tips

Courtesy of Car Loves

 

Between Thanksgiving and New Years, lots of people take to the highways. Here are just a few tips (not exhaustive by any means) that will help you make your holiday driving trip more enjoyable and safe.

1. If going on a long trip, make sure the car is properly serviced. Check the usual, oil, break fluid, battery condition, tires, etc.

2. Make sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before the trip so you won’t be excessively tired when you start out.

3. Have your route planned in advance. Unsafe detours into unchartered territory can be dangerous and expensive.

4. Bring a paper map. Even if you have a state-of-the-art GPS, bring a current paper map that covers your route as a backup. You never know when you’ll need a backup.

5. Buy snacks and drinks before you leave at the grocery store rather than stocking up at the more expensive convenience stores and gas stations along the way.

6. Make sure to tell at least one other family member where you are going. In case you go missing, someone needs to know where you were headed.

7. Make sure to secure your home. Don’t announce on social media that you will be leaving town for a week. Leave a light on. Have a neighbor or relative check on the house, pick up mail, newspapers, etc.

8. Leave early to avoid the traffic. If everyone else is leaving at 9:00 am, try 6:30 am to get a jump on the worst of the traffic. Alternatively, travel on alternative days such as Monday through Thursday instead of the busier Friday through Sunday.

9. Take a break from driving every 100 miles. Get out of the car, walk around it, stretch, inspect the tires, relax.

10. Drive defensively. Just because you have the right-of-way, don’t necessarily claim it. Give other drivers lots of room and avoid road rage.

11. Pull over and stop if you are tired. Don’t press on to make an artificial deadline. Better to get there late than not at all.

12. If you do get tired, coffee, energy drinks and soda can help, but note it takes a while for these to get into your system and over use can be dangerous. Consult with your doctor before trying this approach.

13. Relax. Take it easy. Driving is supposed to be fun and enjoyable. Don’t make it a chore. If you have the right attitude, you can make a safe and happy trip.

Enjoy the holidays.