What You Need to Know to Keep You and Your Family Safe on the Road this Holiday
Holiday travel is usually synonymous with wet, slushy weather than is not the best to get around it – when this is combined with the sheer number of people on the road this time of year, the results of unsafe driving can be dangerous and even deadly. With so many of us hitting the road this time of year to visit with family members and friends, it is important to make sure we are doing everything we can to keep ourselves, our passengers, and other people on the road safe while we travel.
Make Sure the Vehicle is Ready to Travel
Before heading out on a long trip, always make sure the vehicle is working properly and ready to hit the road. This means making sure the brakes, defroster, windshield wipers, heater, antifreeze, fluids, and lights are all filled properly and working in tip top condition. Also, make sure all the tires are inflated to the correct pressure for the conditions and that a spare tire is in the vehicle in case of emergencies.
Check the Weather Forecast
When you have a big trip planned, it is important to keep an eye on the weather. Even if the plan has been set for months to go somewhere, a big snow or ice storm can derail these plans. These types of storms can have a profound impact on the condition of the roads, which can make it unsafe and even impossible to travel. Always put safety ahead of commitments and opt to stay home when necessary.
Practice Safety on the Road
During any kind of trip, regardless of how short, it is important for everyone to wear their seatbelts at all times. Additionally, during the dawn and dusk hours of the day, it is important to turn on the vehicle’s headlights not just so the driver can see the road but also so other drivers can see the vehicle. When it is raining or snowing, make sure to have the lights and windshield wipers on for increased visibility.
Be Alert
When driving in poor conditions, it is very important to remain alert to surroundings and minimize distractions such as cell phones, the radio or loud conversations in the vehicle. Make sure to adjust speed according to the road conditions and be aware of what the vehicles around you are doing. Staying vigilant behind the wheel can mean the difference between avoiding an accident and being in one.
Did you know Training Wheels is a Northfield Driving School specializing in teaching new teen drivers Behind the Wheel Training? It can be intimidating for a parent to take a teenager on the road when the streets are so busy, but we can help! If your teen needs driving instruction over the holidays or other busy driving times, give us a call! To learn about Training Wheels and our lessons, click here.
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