With Thanksgiving and the holiday season approaching, drivers will be preparing to travel to visit family and family friends. If you’re choosing to drive rather than fly during your travels, there are some safety precautions you should take out on the road this holiday season:
Prior to leaving your home, be sure to plan your route to your destination. Check for road closures and constructions that may require you to reroute. You will also want to check the weather report for your current location and your destination, so you are prepared for the weather conditions you will have to drive through.
If the weather report shows severe weather, you will want to consider postponing or canceling your travel plans to keep your family safe.
To ensure your vehicle is ready for the open road, be sure to check the battery, tire pressure and condition, fluid levels, and fill up your gas tank to prepare for your trip.
Even in November, some areas experience frost, sleet, and snow, so it is important to brush up on your winter driving skills. These weather conditions can result in low visibility and slick roadways. You will want to reduce your speed, give yourself longer stopping distances, apply brakes slowly when stopping, and keep plenty of space between your vehicle and the other vehicles on the road to help avoid a collision.
We have all heard this tip since we started driving, “buckle up.” While this is a simple safety tip, it is one of the most effective ways to stay safe on the road. Make sure you remind the passengers to wear their seatbelts as well.
If you have an accident, a breakdown, a flat tire, or some other car emergency during your travels, it is best to have an emergency kit handy. This kit could include supplies such as a blanket, flashlight, first-aid kit, extra gloves and hats, basic hand tools, snacks, bottled water, and a phone charger. You should also keep a collapsible or small shovel and a small bucket of cat litter to aid you in getting out of the snow if you get stuck.
Distracted driving is a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents. Stay focused on the road while driving by having a family member act as the navigator to handle the road map or GPS, avoid talking/texting on the phone while you are driving, and ask passengers to keep the radio and their voices down to avoid distraction.
If your drive is a long one, be sure to stop and take a break to help re-energize and regain your focus and consider sharing the driving responsibility with another passenger if possible.
No matter how safe of a driver you are, you may still experience a collision this holiday season. If so, be sure to contact Freedom Collision for all of your collision repair needs in Morgantown. Our experienced team uses the latest techniques and technology to provide our clients with seamless collision repairs to get your car looking good as new!
We wish you a safe and happy holiday season. To learn more about our collision repair services, contact us today!
