Leave Early to Beat Traffic
The busiest times to be on the road are the Tuesday and Wednesday before the holiday and the entire weekend after. Beat the rush and travel outside these peak days for optimal safety. If you can’t avoid traveling on these days, try hitting the road early in the morning when the daylight first comes in! It can also be helpful to plan your stops before you leave so you know when and where to take breaks along the way, meaning you’ll save on gas mileage by going the most efficient route.
Prep Your Car
Before you hit the road for any trip, you should prepare your vehicle for the journey. Take your car in for an overall inspection to make sure everything is in good working condition. Have your oil changed, top off all your fluids, and rotate your tires so you’re road-ready. This way, you can rest easy knowing you’ll be driving in safety and style.
Restock Your Emergency Kit
If your vehicle doesn’t have an emergency kit, now is the time to purchase one for your vehicle. A good emergency kit has blankets, road flares, a basic first aid kit, bottles of water, a flashlight, batteries and some non-perishable items. Make sure your vehicle is stocked with the necessities that may come in handy during an emergency. It’s not always fun to plan for the unexpected, but if something does happen, you’ll be happy you were prepared.
Don’t Forget to Move
Long hours behind the wheel can take its toll on your body, especially if you don’t take time to stop and stretch periodically. It can be tempting to make good time and drive straight to your destination, but try to refrain. Remember, it’s not always about the destination.
Drive safe, happy holidays!