Are you and the family off on a road trip for the holidays? Lots of people enjoy traveling in the winter months to visit with loved ones who are far away. However, with the winter season comes inclement weather and long driving times. There are a few holiday driving safety tips that you should keep in mind before you set off to your destination.
Driving on ice, snow, slush, or even pouring rain can be dangerous so understanding the risks and how to mitigate them is crucial. You need to make sure your vehicle is prepared, be aware of the weather forecast, and know how to drive in different road conditions for the best results. If you need a guide to help you ensure everything is ready to go, we’re here to offer you exactly that.
Make Sure Your Vehicle is in Good Shape and Ready
While anything can happen on the road, one of the most common issue is having vehicle trouble. Nobody wants to end up stuck in the cold on the side of the road rather than at your destination in front of the fire. There are also other concerns since some issues can be dangerous. Blowing a tire while speeding down the highway is a good example of that.
Because of that, you should take your car in for an inspection before going on any holiday trip. As part of your holiday travel safety tips, you should also ask about any needed maintenance and ensure it’s done before you take off on the road. This includes having properly inflated tires and a winter-ready vehicle. Make sure you have proper insurance, as well.
Pack a Winter Emergency Kit Before You Leave
You should always bring along emergency items on a long road trip including a car jack, spare tire, and jumper cables. This will help if you do end up having car troubles as the drive goes on. You also want to have a first aid kit in case of any injuries that occur while on the road. If there are other must-haves, add those in as well so you are prepared, no matter what you come up against.
Another driving safety is important and doesn’t stop with basic emergency items. When it’s cold, you also want to be sure you have things like a snow shovel, ice scraper, salt, and warm blankets. If your car does break down on the road, you can keep the family warm while you look for a way to handle the situation.
It’s also an excellent idea to keep your gas tank fuller than you might normally. You don’t want to run out of fuel when it’s freezing outside. Fill up your windshield wiper reservoir and make sure the wipers are in good shape to finish up the preparations. When you stop at gas stations, make sure you have plenty of water or stock up on more so you can keep hydrated, too.
It’s also suggested that you always bring along a cell phone along with a charger in case you end up in an emergency situation. With a cell phone, you can get in touch with a taxi and at least get to a warm location before deciding how to handle the issue.
The phone charger comes in handy in case your cell phone runs out of juice. While you may want a wall charger for your destination, a car charger is what you want while on the road. This gives you the option of downloading apps when you need them or getting in touch with assistance if you break down. You may also want to consider getting a battery backup for your phone in case your battery dies and your car is unable to provide power to charge up your phone.
Be Aware of How to Drive on Ice and Snow
If you aren’t familiar with driving in the snow or on ice, that’s something you will want to delve into before your road trip. You may want to do a bit of research to be sure you have an understanding of how to drive safely in these weather conditions. We’ll share a few of the basic driving tips that will you get you through the trip.
Before leaving an area with snow or ice, you’ll want to clear off your car. This includes the trunk, windows, roof, mirrors, hood, lights, and reflectors. You’ll also want to keep your headlights on for the best visibility. Be cautious if you come across any snow banks as they can make it hard to see other vehicles.
Once you’re driving, don’t be afraid to go a bit slower than normal. You also want to avoid turning on the cruise control, so you have better control of your car. Bridges and overpasses are often the first areas to become slick, so pay close attention in those places.
This also ties into the need to be aware of the weather that is coming. Visiting your favorite Internet weather site can provide you with all the information you need. There are also apps and services that will provide you with texts if the weather changes. However, avoid looking at your phone while driving as it can be a major distraction.
Alternate Routes and the Importance of Planning
Some holiday driving tips to remember are that you should leave extra room for stops between you and other cars, stay back from snow or sand trucks who are doing their job, and give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.
We also recommend that you do some planning in case you need to make a change to your route while driving. Whether you run into extreme traffic, find yourself in the middle of construction, or find out a road is closed, having an alternate route will make things less stressful.
Those who want to avoid as much traffic as possible may want to consider the best times to drive. Be sure you get on the road either before or after peak traffic times. If you have GPS, this can also be a huge help when it comes to avoiding closed roads, finding your way back to the right route if you get lost, and more.
Holiday Driving Safety Tips if You Break Down
Sometimes with all the planning in the world, you can still end up breaking down or getting caught in bad weather. If you can stay in the car and remain safe, that’s the best option for you. Run the heater for a few minutes every hour to stay warm but double check that your exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow. You should also leave a window open a crack to avoid exhaust buildup just in case something goes wrong.
Wrapping Up
It can be a challenge to drive in winter weather, no matter how experienced you might be. Make sure everyone in the car is wearing their seat belt and that you slow down and leave space in between you and other vehicles. It’s also essential that you don’t allow yourself to get distracted while you drive.
If you happen to be going into an area that may not have cell service, you may want to tell a friend about your travel plans. Let them know where your route will take you and what time you expect to arrive. In the event that you don’t turn up, someone can get in contact with first responders to look for you. If you’re worried about driving due to the weather, there’s nothing wrong with waiting a bit until the roads are more clear.
