Holiday Car Travel Tips
Whether by plane, train, or automobile, Holiday travel has a reputation for being stressful. Traveling by car can be particularly stressful since it means remaining diligent throughout your trip. Heavy traffic, bad weather, and distractions only add to it. This creates the perfect scenario for an auto accident or collision. Play it safe this year and make sure you’re prepared to hit the road by following these tips:
Make Sure Your Vehicle is Maintained
Breakdowns on the highway are inconvenient, dangerous, and cause a traffic snag for everyone else on the road. Make sure your vehicle is ready to hit the road by having the tires inspected and fluids topped off. If there are any unusual sounds under the hood, have it looked at. Check your wipers to make sure they’re in good condition and replace them if they need it. It’s probably time for a new set of winter wipers anyway!
Be Prepared for the Worst
Pack an extra ice scraper, road flares, portable car battery charger, non-perishable snacks, bottled water, hand and toe warmers, and a spare phone charger in a small box or tote and store it in your vehicle. Many of these items will come in handy in the event of a breakdown or accident.
Plan Your Route
Map out several routes in advance if that option is available to you. Utilize your GPS or have a passenger check Google Maps to help you re-route around heavy traffic or accidents to help decrease delays. Knowing where you are going also helps cut down on the possibility of an accident because you won’t feel the need to make last minute lane shifts or sudden turns.
Give Yourself Time
Don’t be the person rushing out the door at the last possible minute. Pad your travel time so you can avoid arriving late if you should encounter traffic snarls.
Rest When Needed
Driving while drowsy is dangerous. If you feel tired, pull off in a safe place such as a rest stop and take a nap. Or better yet, avoid pushing yourself all together by breaking up long drives with an overnight hotel stay along your route. There is no substitute for a nap when you are drowsy. Not even caffeine.
Obey the Rules of The Road
You’ve heard it a million times before: Speed Kills! Obey the posted speed limit, avoid tailgating, DO NOT under ANY circumstances text while driving, and be mindful of traffic signs and signals.
Of course, no matter how well you plan and how carefully you drive, accidents can occur. If your vehicle is involved in a collision and needs collision repair or bodywork, count on the experts at Auto Care East. We are an I-CAR Gold Certified collision shop, so you can be sure you’re getting a higher level of service when it comes to collision repair. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule an estimate.
