5 Tips for Safe Driving During the Holiday Season

The holidays are a busy time for us all. Between work and home life, you have holiday parties, family gatherings and so much more! Whether you travel out of town or stick close to home, almost anywhere you go will have more traffic on the roads than usual. 

While there are many other vehicles on the road and you can only do so much, there are still a lot of components to safe driving that you do have control over. Read on for our five best tips for staying safe on the roads for the remainder of the holiday season. 

1.  Plan Ahead.

One of the best tips we have for you to stay safe on the roads during the holiday season is to plan ahead. There is always a lot going on during the holidays, for everyone. This means there are a lot of people on the roads that are in a rush – stressed and distracted. 

Taking the time to plan your travel times and preparation can help you avoid traffic if you’re able to time your driving during an off-peak time. 

2. Remain Vigilant.

One of the most dangerous aspects of driving during the holidays is other drivers on the roads. There is simply not much that can be done to ensure that other drivers are driving safely. 

The best you can do is remain vigilant and alert. This means you should make sure you’re plenty well-rested. Maybe even consider planning your drive times during the daylight hours when you can see best. (In addition, it can be helpful to make sure that the safety components in your vehicle are all operational prior to any holiday driving. I.e Rear-View Mirrors, Backup Cameras, etc.)

Read More: Florida Driver Safety Tips

3. Avoid Distractions.

During the holidays, we may be traveling to new places or a location you don’t often visit. Be sure you understand how to get where you need to go and are aware of any possible detours or construction zone prior to hitting the road. GPS directions can be helpful, but also distracting in unfamiliar areas. 

And as always, do not text and drive. If you’re traveling with other people, family or friends, consider asking someone to handle any technological distractions while you focus on the road.

4. Follow Traffic Laws.

As mentioned above, refrain from texting while driving. While the safety of other drivers is a major concern, it should come as no surprise that you must also follow the traffic laws set in place. Planning ahead and being prepared should help to mitigate the need to speed or run red lights. 

You’ve given yourself ample time to get where you need to go!

5. Do not drive while impaired.

The holidays are a time for celebration! With this in mind, leave the party off the roads. Call a rideshare or designated driver. There is enough to worry about on the roads during the busy season!

Dealing with a car accident is one of the last ways you want to spend the holidays! We hope these tips help to keep you and your loved ones safe!