With the holidays quickly approaching, many are planning their road trips to visit loved ones. Follow these travel tips to arrive at your destination safely.
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The holidays are a popular time to travel. They can also be a dangerous time to travel due to more congestion and winter weather. Of course, this time around, some extra precautions such as social distancing and mask-wearing will be necessary.
Here are some travel safety tips for the holidays to keep your family safe.
Get Your Car Serviced
Before you hit the road, you’ll want to make sure your car is up for the task. Stop into your local mechanic or dealership to have fluids topped off, your engine checked, and your brakes looked at. A breakdown on the side of the road would undoubtedly put a damper on the holidays and can be even more dangerous during the winter months.
Switch To Winter Tires
If your family is trekking through the New Jersey snow to get to your destination, consider switching over to winter tires for better traction on slushy roads. Winter tires have a deeper tread depth that is crucial for staying safe during your travels.
Plan Ahead
Your family likely isn’t the only family planning to hit the road for the holidays. Plan to leave earlier than usual so you don’t arrive to the party late. It’s also wise to plan an alternative route or two to avoid any construction or big traffic jams. Consulting online maps and directional services offered through such web sites as Waze and Google both before and during your trip may help to avoid delays. You also should insure that you have included some basic supplies for travel in winter weather. Some items suggested by safety experts include a portable charger with extra batteries and jumper cables; blankets to stay warm; snow brush, ice scraper, and shovel first aid kit with any necessary medications ice melt and/or kitty litter to help tires get traction; flashlight, hazard lights; and emergency flares.
Be Cautious Around Other Cars
Driving under the influence is a significant problem during the holidays. In New Jersey, first offenders with blood alcohol readings over 0.15% remain subject to a license suspension of four to six months and must install an interlock for an additional nine to 15 months. A secondoffenseexposes the driver to a license suspension of up to two years and requires interlocks for two to four years. Drivers can also face additional fees associated with a conviction. Just because you’re sober and safe on the road doesn’t mean everyone else will be. Occasionally some make the wrong choice of getting behind the wheel after a night out at a holiday party. Be extra aware of your surroundings and keep ample space between you and other cars just in case.
Distracted driving also can lead to accidents. Among tips to keep your attention on the road include: make sure children and pets are properly secured in their seats before driving and pull over and park if you need to tend to a child or pet; never text or read a text while driving; put your phone on airplane or 'do not disturb' mode, or use an app that silences calls and texts while your car is moving; pull over somewhere safe to rest if you're tired; and avoid eating, searching for items, or anything that could divert your eyes from the road. The holidays can be stressful, especially if you have to navigate a trip to visit family and friends. Follow these travel safety tips for the holidays to arrive soundly.
