The days just before Christmas, as people rush to buy presents and travel to holiday destinations, can be more dangerous on roadways than the days surrounding Thanksgiving and New Year’s.

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Here are some tips to avoid a Holiday Tragedy!

1) NEVER EVER DRIVE DRUNK:
There is no excuse for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Make sure you have a designated driver or call a cab! It’s just not worth it. Enough said!

2)Know When to Drive and What Road Conditions Are:
Drivers often find that the day before Christmas Eve and Christmas Eve itself are the busiest days to travel, just like at the airport. If you can travel early on Christmas Day, or set out a few days beforehand, you’ll have better traffic and an easier, safer ride.
Many drivers are also likely to have bad weather to battle (Well not this year in the North East) as they travel for the holidays, so it’s important to check road conditions and the local weather in advance.

3) Plan Schedule and Stops
Another holiday travel tips is that driving at night means avoiding traffic and having sleeping kids in the backseat. If you can handle night travel, set up as schedule with a driving buddy who’ll keep you awake and alert and who can switch places if needed.
If you prefer to travel during the day, you can still cut down on time by planning out your stops in advance. Whether it’s as general as the town you’ll take a break in or the restaurant where your family will have lunch, plotting out your holiday trip will make it seem faster and keep you to a schedule.

4) Create a Car Safety Kit
It may be a light year for snow this December, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry when you’re traveling long distances in the winter, especially during the holiday traveling season.

Safety kit basics are blankets, a flashlight with extra batteries, a radio, a first aid kit, jumper cables and an ice scraper. If you have room, it doesn’t hurt to add non-perishable snacks like food and nuts, some bottles of water, and an extra pair of thick gloves.

As part of your prep for car safety, also try to get your car in for a checkup before you travel. Breaking down on the side of the road can ruin a holiday and be dangerous, especially if you’re traveling with small children. At the least, check your tires, fluid levels and windshield wipers to make sure they’re working properly.

5) Store Your Cell Phone

There is no need to be on the phone while driving. Remember it’s an automatic 5 points. Keep your cell phone fully charged but put it somewhere where you won’t be tempted to reach for it, out of sight out of mind, try the glove compartment or hand it to a passenger.  If you absolutely have to use your cell phone pull over or use your bluetooth!

So have a safe and happy holiday and we hope you get where you are going safe and sound! As Always, DRIVE SAFE!