Driving during the holiday season can be a nightmare. It can be dangerous if you’re not prepared for the heavy traffic, frustrated drivers, and unpredictable weather.
So, before you start off on your holiday road trip, here are some holiday travel safety tips to help you get to your destination in one piece.
The Best Tips for Driving During the Holidays
If you must drive during the holiday season, be sure to take extra precautions on the road. It’s also advisable to take a driver improvement course online to refresh your defensive driving strategies and techniques to prepare you for the nerve-wracking situations you’ll encounter on the road.
Plan Your Route Ahead of Time
The first thing you must do as you prepare for your holiday road trip is to plan your route ahead of time. Check the weather conditions in the areas you’ll be driving through. Make sure to note construction, detours, and any other features that may have a bearing on your driving.
Follow the Speed Limits
Sure, everyone is rushing to get to their destinations, but that doesn’t mean you should too. Always follow the speed limit governing the particular stretch of road you’re on. It’s advisable to drive slower if you’re on an icy patch, as it takes ten times longer to brake on an icy road than on dry asphalt.
Never Drive While Impaired
Do you know that most crashes that happen during the holiday season are alcohol-related? That’s why it is so important to be at your best while behind the wheel and if you have been drinking to find another means of travel or a designated driver.
Besides drinking, be careful not to drive if you’re taking medication that causes drowsiness or impairs your judgment.
Particularly when going on long trips, be sure to avoid anything that can affect how alert you’ll be on the road. Failure to do so will not only put your life at risk but the lives of your passengers as well.
Avoid Tailgating
Tailgating—following another car too closely—is never a good idea. It’s even a worse idea when driving in poor weather that are characteristic of holiday driving in many places. If you drive on icy roads, maintain double the normal distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you.
Improve Your Skills with a Driving Course
One of the best ways to prepare yourself for the heavy traffic and nightmarish driving that has become part of holiday culture is to brush up on your driving skills. Enrolling in a defensive driving school online will help you be prepared to react well in an emergency.
No matter how good of a driver you may think yourself to be, a refresher course is always a good idea, as it will help you identify some areas you’re weak in. A driving safety course won’t take much of your time, but it could help save you from crashes on the road.
Have Your Car Serviced Before You Leave
Whether you are taking a trip to the next town or driving across the country, it’s always a good idea to have your car serviced before you leave. Also, make sure to switch to winter tires.
There’s nothing as frustrating as having a breakdown on a much-anticipated trip. That’s why it’s important to ensure your car is 100% ready for the trip.
Ready for Your Holiday Road Trip?
The holiday season is full of excitement and activity. However, no matter how busy it can be, ensure you reserve time to plan for your trip properly. From having a professional look over your car to taking a short driver improvement course, take all the necessary precautions to eliminate anything from stealing your joy this holiday.
Armed with these Christmas driving tips, here’s to happy holiday driving!
If you’d like to know more about our driver improvement course, get in touch electronically or call us at (800) 558-9887 today.
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