Thanksgiving is all about good food, gratitude, and getting together with friends and family, whether your relatives live near or far. According to AAA, it’s not uncommon for more than 50 million people to hit the road during the Thanksgiving weekend. If you’re planning to be on the road for the holiday, it’s important to prepare ahead of time for this popular travel day.
Here are our top tips for making your road trip safe and enjoyable this Thanksgiving:
Pack Carefully
If you’re travelling with small children, then you’re probably transporting larger objects such as portable cribs and toys. Check the load capacity of your vehicle before packing up for the weekend to ensure that you aren’t overloading your car. It’s also important to make sure all cargo is well-secured. That way, should there be an accident, no one is injured by unsecured objects. It’s also important to make sure all car seats are properly installed for the journey ahead.
Bring your Car Safety Kit
It’s good practice to always keep a car safety kit in your vehicle so that you’re prepared for whatever your travels may bring your way. Don’t have one? Click here to read more about building your kit.
Designate a Driver
Thanksgiving means enjoying a hearty meal and chances are, a drink or two. Before settling in at your Thanksgiving feast, designate a driver (DD) for your trip home. Identifying a DD ahead of time will put everyone’s mind at ease and make it easier to enjoy your visit.
Winterize your Vehicle
Depending on where you live, even late November can start to look like winter, bringing hazardous environmental conditions such as snow and sleet. Consider winterizing your vehicle early to prep for holiday travels. Change out your summer tires for snow tires, re-fill your washer fluid and pack a snow brush and blankets. For more tips on winterizing your car, click here.
Practice Defensive Driving
It’s always important to be aware of other drivers, but this is especially true during heavy traffic. Stay alert, put all mobile devices away, and designate a passenger with directional duty so that you can devote your full attention to the road.
Buckle Up, Every Time
After eating more than your fair share of turkey and stuffing, it’s critical that all passengers buckle up for the ride home, no matter how full they are. This will keep everyone safe during sudden braking or in the case of an accident.
Share your Travel Plans
Let your relatives know your departure time, the route you are taking, and your approximate arrival time. Keeping hosts in-the-know is not only polite but will also assist them in sending help to you, should something happen along the way.
Rest up
The holiday season can be a hectic and tiring time of year. Make sure you rest up before taking a road trip, as drowsy driving can be just as hazardous as drunk driving. To read more on avoiding the dangers of driver’s fatigue, click here.
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