Whether you are extra excited for the holidays this year or only feel pressure to make sure everything is perfect, one thing everyone can agree on is the importance of staying safe on the roads this holiday season. These are three tips that can help, especially during the holidays – and especially if you are traveling to family outside of California.
- Be Prepared for Changing Weather Conditions If you are spending your holidays anywhere other than Southern California, then you must be careful and aware of the potential for changing weather conditions. If you travel to a state such as Florida or Georgia, your chances of dealing with snow are low but you may deal with sudden rain, hail, and other issues. If you are driving in a colder area, then you could be dealing with slick roads due to freezing rain and sleet. Remember that freezing rain is liquid as it comes down, but it then coats and glazes objects. It can break power lines, knock down tree branches, and cause other dangerous conditions. If you are driving somewhere with dangerous weather, drive slowly, accelerate slowly, and brake slowly.
- Be Patient with Other Drivers Many car accidents are caused by drivers being impatient – and this can happen even more frequently during holiday months. Do not be that person. If another person tries to merge at the last minute, let them. Keep an eye out for people who do not seem to be paying full attention to the road in front of them. Many people are driving in cities they are not used to driving in and may be overwhelmed or simply not know the rules of the road. Also be on the lookout for drivers who have cars stuffed with presents, children, suitcases, etc. This may make it hard for them to see. While in a perfect world they would not drive if they could not see well, this is not always the case. Do what you can to avoid an accident.
- Be Careful What You Bring on the Road You may be traveling out of town for a few days. If so, you will bring the things you likely always take on trips, such as clothing, books, and toiletries. You need to bring presents and perhaps something to eat. Make sure that you have everything secured so that if you do get into an accident, or must stop suddenly, what you have in your vehicle will not be thrown to your windshield.
