Safe Driving Tips for the Holidays

Hello Friends!
This time of the year a lot of driving will be going on, to and being safe is every ones concern! Here is a helpful article about safe winter driving tips! We wish every one a safe and happy holidays and a great end to a great year! We look forward to working with you safe and sound in the new year!

The month-long holiday travel season is about to begin, with Thanksgiving marking the beginning of this busy time of year. It's estimated that 33 million people will be traveling over this initial long holiday weekend, making Thanksgiving one of the most traveled holidays of the year, followed by Christmas and New Year's Day.
We have listed some helpful holiday road trip safety tips to help get you to and from your family gatherings safely.
Check on Conditions (Weather and Road)At this time of year, the weather can be unpredictable. Even if the weather and roads look okay in your neighborhood, that may not be the case 200 miles away at Grandma's house. Be sure to check the Federal Highway Administration's website for up-to-the-minute traffic information, detours and road construction before you leave. You may also want to check The Weather Channel's website to find out the weather conditions of the interstates and roads you will be traveling on.
Pack Some SuppliesDepending on where your holiday travels are taking you, you may encounter snow or even blizzard-like conditions along the way. That is why it is a good idea to pack an emergency snow kit, which should include a snow scraper and brush, a flashlight, blankets, booster cables, a shovel, cat litter or sand (to place under your tires for grip, if you get stuck in ice or snow), flares, emergency triangles, and a first aid kit. While you may never have to use these items, you will be happy you packed them in the event of an emergency.
Winterize Your CarThe last thing you want to do is break down and end up missing Mom's famous pumpkin pie all because you failed to have your car winterized. So make sure to have a certified mechanic check your oil level, tire pressure, windshield wipers, heater, defroster, antifreeze, and brakes, before you head out on icy and snowy roads.
Keep Your Cell Phone NearbyYou never know what could happen during your travels, so it is always a good idea to bring your cell phone and car charger with you. If you do not have a cell phone, consider purchasing a prepaid cell phone that you can add minutes to. In the event that you do need to use your cell phone, leave the calling to one of your passengers or pull off to the side of the road to make the call.
Wear Your Seat BeltThanksgiving weekend is one of the most dangerous and deadliest times of the year to travel. That is why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is reminding all of us to play it safe this holiday season and buckle up - not only is it the law; it could help save your life.
Proper Seating for ChildrenWhile everyone understands that infants and toddlers need to be in a child safety seat, many us do not know that children under 4'9" must be in a booster seat. If you do not have a booster seat for your child, make sure to pick one up immediately.
Take Your TimeThe heaviest holiday travel traffic occurs during the days immediately before and after Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. With that in mind, consider leaving the Tuesday before Thanksgiving instead of the Wednesday before, or traveling home the Monday after Thanksgiving as opposed to the Sunday after.
Don't RushSpeeding is never a good idea, especially during the holidays. Obey the speed limits and you will get to your family's house in plenty of time to enjoy the holiday festivities.
Don't Eat Too MuchThere will probably be enough food to go around for seconds, thirds…but, for safer holiday driving, perhaps pass on fourths. Over indulging in holiday treats can make you feel uncomfortable and groggy for the ride home; not to mention that turkey has a natural sedative called L-tryptophan which can make you sleepy. If you have a long journey ahead, consider cutting back on the turkey and maybe have a cup of coffee or a caffeinated soda to help perk you up for the trip home.
Never Drink and DriveAccording to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more people are killed in drinking and driving accidents during Thanksgiving weekend than during New Year's Day weekend. That being said, if you suspect that a driver has had too much to drink, contact the local authorities immediately. In addition, if you or a loved one has had too much to drink, call a cab or stay at a friend or relatives house - it will be one of the best decisions you will ever make.

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