The holidays are an exciting time that most people look forward to and a time when many people travel to visit family and friends. According to AAA, in 2022 nearly 312,000 Idahoans traveled for the Thanksgiving holiday and half a million traveled over the Christmas weekend. More travelers on the road means more potential for accidents, injuries or theft. Here are some things to keep in mind so you can travel safely this holiday season.
Prepare your vehicle
Before you embark on a day trip or road trip this holiday season prepare your car and make sure everything has been properly maintained. This means testing your battery and swapping out snow tires if you have them, as well as checking your fluids and tire pressure. Don’t forget to pack your emergency car kit for the winter months in case you get stuck in the snow. Here is more information on how to deal with the hazards of winter driving.
Put valuables in the trunk
Vehicle break-ins increase during the holiday months, so keeping valuables out of sight will significantly lessen your chances of theft. If you’re out holiday shopping or carrying valuables in your car, store those items in the trunk where would-be thieves cannot see them. Also, remember not to leave empty boxes sitting on the seat or you may return to a broken window.
Plan ahead and give yourself extra time to travel
Holiday travel often causes congestion on highways and local roads, not to mention weather can slow down everyone. As you’re preparing for road trips and day trips this holiday season, review your route ahead of time and plan for things to take longer than usual. You don’t want to rush in heavy traffic or when snow starts to fall as this can lead to car accidents.
Use child safety seats properly
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 46% of car seats and booster seats are used incorrectly, which can cause injury or even death if a car accident occurs. Children under 13 should always ride in the backseat and infants, toddlers and young children should be restrained with a car seat or booster seat. The NHTSA recommends infant children to age three ride in a rear-facing car seat as long as possible, then switch to a forward-facing car seat at age four with a harness and tether. Keep your child in a car seat or booster until a seat belt fits them properly. Here is more information on selecting the right car seat for your child.
Keep children entertained on the road
Traveling with the whole family is a key component of the holidays and can lead to distractions that may result in accidents. Pack activities for kids to minimize distractions to the driver, including arguments among children. This could be in the form of electronics, games or coloring books.
Make the most of the season by traveling safely this holiday. Insure what matters most by speaking with your local FBICI agent.
Disclaimer: The information included here is designed for informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, financial or any other sort of advice, nor is it a substitute for such advice. The information may not apply to your specific situation. We have tried to make sure the information is accurate, but it could be outdated or even inaccurate in parts.
Sources
Idaho Press
National Safety Council
Drift Travel
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Pediatric Associates of Franklin
