In order to prepare for your upcoming holiday trip, here are a few basic and simple guidelines to help you travel safely and make the most of your journey.

Make sure that your vehicle is in proper working order.  If you live in an area where the temperatures drop drastically during the holiday months, the last place you want to be is stuck on the side of the road.  If you don’t feel comfortable checking your brakes, battery, tires, fluids, bulbs, etc then have a mechanic take a look at it so you know everything is working as it should be.

I can’t say it enough times: Pack an emergency kit, especially if you’re driving a long distance or traveling with children.  Bring along a first aid kit, flashlight, blanket, water, an ice scraper, jumper cables and even a hand shovel and cat litter (if you’re traveling to a snowy area).

It may sound simple, but giving yourself plenty of time or even extra time is always wise.  You never know how many people you’ll encounter on the road, especially when you’re traveling out of town or out of state.  If you’re overly concerned about road conditions or traffic, then leave a day early just to be safe.

Obey the law, drive safely and pay attention to your surroundings.  More drivers on the road means more potential for accidents.

Make sure that you don’t leave any valuables in your car.  If you have something that is of importance or value, make sure you lock it away in the trunk.  Don’t leave flashy looking items, gifts or valuables in plain sight in the car because we all know that thieves love the holidays.

If you’re planning a trip for the holidays, check out our guides and other articles about road trips and safety.

Happy holiday traveling!

Tags: Advice, Automobile Safety, Road Trips, Travel // Add Comment »