Each year the news media reports that there are more travelers hitting the roads than ever before. And though it seems that each year is “record-breaking,” the fact remains that the holiday season is one of the most dangerous times to travel the roads.
Road travel during the fall and winter holiday seasons can be dangerous due to a variety of factors. And when you have a large number of travelers on the roads with frequent rain, snow, or frozen precipitation, this can be a deadly combination.
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, traveling by motor vehicle has the highest fatality rate of any other mode of transportation. And this statistic is heightened during the fall and winter months due to larger than average road travel and inclement weather.
If you’re planning on traveling during the holidays, the following tips will help you to get to and from your destination safely.
Winterize Your Vehicle
One of the best tips to staying safe while on the road during the winter season is to winterize your vehicle. And depending on the type of vehicle you have, this can be accomplished in a few different ways.
Check Your Battery
One of the areas many motorists overlook is right underneath the hood (in most vehicles). This is your battery. So ensure your battery is functioning properly.
Without a healthy battery, you’re likely to be stranded out in the cold. And this means you might not be able to start your car even to stay warm while you wait for help.
Winter Tools
A few things you may not think of (especially if you live in the south) are tools to assist you in freezing temperatures. As such, make sure you have an ice-scraper and a brush to remove snow and ice from the top of your car, the headlights, and from the windshield.
Additionally, make sure you bring along extra antifreeze if you’re going to be traveling a long distance.
Tires
Tires and tread vary widely on vehicles. And unless you drive a large 4-wheel-drive truck or SUV, a small sedan may have difficulty traveling across roads covered with ice and snow.
In order to make your trip less difficult, make sure that you have all-season radial tires, or consider using snow chains if you’re going to be traveling over icy roadways.
Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance comes in many forms. But most motorists have some form of assistance available through their insurance company.
Assistance can include a towing package, or actual roadside services in the event of a breakdown. But no matter what, before heading out during the winter months, it’s wise to know exactly what your policy covers.
Other means of assistance might include AAA services, and even American Express offers a form of assistance. In addition, for those who have the service, OnStar has roadside assistance available for most GMC and Chevy models.
If you’re involved in a wreck, or a breakdown, any of these services can provide help during a time of need; you may also want to have the number of an experienced accident lawyer who can help you recoup your damages quickly and efficiently, so be sure to have that on hand just in case.
Drive Defensively
Your best defense while traveling during the holiday season and during the winter months is to learn the art of defensive driving.
Defensive driving is nothing more than keeping an alert sense at all times, maintaining a safe distance from other drivers (up to several car lengths if possible), and learning how to spot the signs of an impaired or distracted driver.
During any time on the road, motorists today are often distracted by smartphones and onboard electronics. And during the holiday season, driving while intoxicated is also a factor to be on the lookout for.
As long as you remain vigilant and keep a safe distance, you’ll be better equipped to keep yourself safe.
The holidays are a time to enjoy the company of friends and family. And unfortunately, it’s also during this time when many tragedies unfold on the open road. But if you follow the advice given here, you’ll have a much safer holiday travel experience.
