Holiday travel took a hit in 2020, and it hasn’t fully covered. Just the same, roughly twice the number of people expect to do some traveling this year compared to last.
The last thing you need to deal with on your Thanksgiving weekend is a car wreck, so take the time to review these tips and plan ahead for safer travels.
4 tips for safe travels
Preparation is the key to safety when you have to be on a busy road (and the roads are guaranteed to be busy), so here are the main steps you should take:
- Make sure the car is in good operating condition. In particular, make sure that you have plenty of windshield-washer fluid, your lights all operate correctly, your oil is good, and your tire pressure — which can develop problems in changing weather — is correct. A sudden breakdown could easily lead to a crash.
- Have your emergency kit ready. You should always travel with spare blankets, food, chargers for your phone, flashlights and water — just in case you do break down. You should also have an emergency flare and flags in case you’re stranded in the dark.
- Get some rest the night before. Drowsy driving is considered just as dangerous as drunk driving, and coffee and energy drinks are no substitute for some decent rest. You need to be alert to respond to hazards on the road as quickly as possible.
- Cut out all the distractions. Put your cell phone away, let an adult passenger (when possible) be your navigator and make sure the kids have enough electronics, books and toys to occupy themselves in the back seat.
Ultimately, that’s all you can do to keep yourself and your family out of harm’s way while you’re traveling — since you can’t control other drivers. If you are involved in a wreck, it’s wise to get some experienced guidance before you try to negotiate with the insurance companies involved for the compensation you need.