Holiday Driving Safety Tips

No big secret

It’s no big secret that more people hit the road to travel to see family and friends over the holidays. While Christmas traffic is typically “lighter” than Thanksgiving Day in terms of volume, NerdWallet shares that 40% of Americans plan to travel for the December holidays (Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa). Thus, roadways will still be crowded, depending upon timing. Each driver has the responsibility to keep themselves and others safe on the roadway. Here are some important holiday driving safety tips:

• Do NOT drink and drive or allow others to drink and drive. Alternatives are to stay put until sober, have a designated driver who remains alcohol-free, or use a ride service such as Uber or Lyft. Additionally, people hosting holiday parties should offer non-alcoholic beverages to their guests. For top tasty holiday mocktail recipes, click here. 
• Do NOT drive when tired. Some people are so focused on getting to their location that they drive while fatigued. This can lead to issues such as slow response times or inattentiveness. If you feel sleepy, pull off the road to rest. Alternatively, and more wisely, plan to get a good night’s sleep before you begin your trip. Whenever possible, share driving responsibilities with a fellow traveler.
• Do NOT text and drive. Being on the road requires full focus. When driving, the priority is safety. Should you wish to make a call or text, pull over at a safe location to do so. Additionally, consider hands-free devices that allow you to give your full attention to driving. If you feel a call is distracting, wait until you arrive at your destination to communicate.
• Do NOT rush. Driving over the speed limit is extremely dangerous. Speeding can result in some of the following: reduced reaction time, higher collision speeds, increased rollovers, loss of vehicle control, more serious crashes and injuries, and more. Per IIHS, “High speeds make a crash more likely because drivers have less time to react and because it requires a longer distance to stop or slow down.” Slow down and remember that it’s better to arrive a little late than not at all.
• Wear your seat belt. And make sure your passengers are wearing theirs as well. Per the CDC, “Wearing a seat belt is the most effective way to prevent death and serious injury in a crash.” Still, one in seven people fail to buckle up. Seat belts drastically reduce risk of death and serious injury and save thousands of lives each year. Therefore, it is vital to buckle up for safety.

Drive with care

Driving is a major responsibility. Thus, folks are encouraged to incorporate these and other lifesaving holiday driving safety tips. For more info on travel safety, pedestrian tips, bicycle safety, automobile recalls, and more, visit The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Federal agency is tasked with promoting safe behaviors on America’s roadways, providing valuable support to travelers during the holiday season and all throughout the year.