Tips to ensure holiday road trips are safe and stress-free
Many people will head home for the holidays this year, and the vast majority will take to the highway to do so.
The U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics says the Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year鈥檚 holiday periods are among the busiest for long-distance travel. The highways will be busy with motorists criss-crossing the country to visit loved ones. Holiday travel may require covering a long distance in a limited amount of time. Finding ways to be efficient in regard to time management can reduce stress and improve safety.
Travel at night
If you can safely manage it, you may experience considerably less traffic in the evening hours than during other times of day. In addition, if kids are in tow, they may sleep much of the way, helping to reduce the number of times they ask, 鈥淎re we there yet?鈥� Share driving responsibilities with another person so that each driver can take a break to prevent drowsy driving.
Get a vehicle maintenance check
No one wants to get stranded on the side of the road with a car filled with gifts and treats. It鈥檚 well worth the investment to have a mechanic give a vehicle a checkup prior to leaving. Get an oil change even if it鈥檚 a little early to do so. Look at tire tread wear and ensure that you have the right tires for the road conditions where you鈥檒l be headed.
Plan your route
People often rely on mobile phone or dashboard GPS systems to get where they need to go. However, it helps to have a general idea of the route so that if service drops out you can still find your way. Scout out rest stops or acceptable restaurants online prior to leaving so you have a plan for making stops in safe areas.
Stock the car
While presents may be taking up valuable real estate, pack a cooler with snacks and beverages to help reduce how many times you need to get off the highway. Also, games or other forms of entertainment can keep children occupied on long trips.
Slow down in inclement weather
The holiday meal can be reheated if you鈥檙e late, so don鈥檛 feel compelled to speed or drive erratically when the weather is stormy. It鈥檚 not worth the risk of getting into an accident that can cause serious injuries. Travelers United, a nonprofit organization that represents all travelers, also warns that quick storms that pop up after a long dry spell can immediately make road surfaces extremely slippery. Use caution.