Many people take long car trips over the holiday season to visit friends and family. If you have a road trip on the agenda, there are certain steps you can take to lower your risk of being involved in a crash. Doing so not only protects you and your passengers, it also prevents you from becoming involved in a serious accident. Here are some safe driving tips when traveling over the holidays.
Get plenty of rest
Drowsy or fatigued driving can have the same impact on your driving ability as drinking alcohol. As a result, it’s crucial that you get plenty of rest the night before your trip. If you find yourself getting drowsy while driving, find a place to stop as soon as possible so you can rest. If you can, try to stop every two hours or so for a rest break and to prevent yourself from becoming overtired behind the wheel.
Make sure your vehicle is road-ready
Along with driver error, mechanical failures can also lead to accidents on the road. Have your car inspected before you set out to make sure it’s suitable for driving long distances. Along with have your brakes checked, have fluids topped off, headlights inspected, and review other safety features as recommended by your mechanic.
Secure your children
When traveling with younger kids, make sure they’re properly secured in an age-appropriate car seat. You should also make sure the back seat is free of any potentially hazardous items. During a crash, heavy objects will become projectiles which can cause a great deal of injury. You must make sure all loose items are properly secured and any potentially dangerous items are taken out of reach of your kids.
