How to Stay Safe During the Busy Holiday Travel Season
The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for travel, with millions of people hitting the roads to visit family and friends. Unfortunately, the combination of increased traffic, unpredictable weather, and added stress can lead to unsafe driving conditions. Whether you’re heading across the country or just across town, it’s essential to stay alert and take extra precautions during this hectic time.
At Get Drivers Ed, we prioritize safe driving year-round, but it’s especially important to stay vigilant during the holiday travel season. In this blog, we’ll cover practical tips for staying safe on the road and ensuring you arrive at your destination without any issues. With a little preparation and mindfulness, you can avoid potential hazards and enjoy a smooth, stress-free holiday journey.
1. Plan Ahead and Be Prepared
Prepare Your Vehicle
Before hitting the road, make sure your vehicle is ready for long-distance travel. Start by checking essential systems like the brakes, tires, and fluids. Cold weather can affect tire pressure, so be sure to check and adjust the tire pressure as needed. If you're traveling in an area that gets snow or ice, consider swapping your regular tires for snow tires or at least make sure your tires have adequate tread.
Don’t forget to:
Check the battery and make sure it’s fully charged.
Inspect your windshield wipers and top off the washer fluid.
Ensure all lights are functioning properly, including headlights, taillights, and brake lights.
A well-maintained vehicle is essential for safe driving, especially when road conditions are unpredictable. At Get Drivers Ed, we encourage drivers to perform a thorough vehicle inspection before any long trip to prevent breakdowns or accidents caused by mechanical failures.
Plan Your Route
Holiday traffic is inevitable, but you can minimize the stress by planning your route in advance. Use a GPS or traffic app to check for any potential delays, road closures, or detours before you set out. If possible, try to travel during off-peak hours to avoid the heaviest traffic. Early mornings or late evenings tend to be quieter times on the road.
Also, make sure you have alternate routes planned in case you run into unexpected roadblocks or traffic jams. This way, you’ll avoid frustration and make smarter decisions if things don’t go as planned.
2. Be Mindful of Weather Conditions
Check the Weather Forecast
One of the most critical aspects of staying safe during holiday travel is being aware of the weather conditions. Depending on where you’re driving, you might encounter snow, ice, fog, or heavy rain, all of which can create hazardous driving conditions.
Before you hit the road, check the weather forecast for your entire route, including your destination. If the forecast predicts severe weather, it’s best to delay your trip until conditions improve. No holiday plans are worth risking your safety.
Adjust Your Driving for Winter Weather
If you do have to drive in less-than-ideal weather, make sure to adjust your driving habits to suit the conditions. Here are a few important reminders for winter driving:
Slow down: Speed limits are designed for optimal conditions, so it’s important to reduce your speed when roads are slippery or visibility is low.
Increase following distance: Wet or icy roads can increase stopping time, so leave extra space between your car and the vehicle in front of you.
Avoid sudden movements: Abrupt braking, accelerating, or turning can cause you to lose control on slippery roads.
By driving cautiously and staying aware of changing road conditions, you’ll be better prepared to avoid accidents. Get Drivers Ed always emphasizes the importance of adjusting your driving style to match the conditions you’re facing.
3. Practice Defensive Driving
Stay Focused and Avoid Distractions
The holiday season often brings added stress, tight schedules, and distractions. It's important to stay focused on the road and avoid any activities that can take your attention away from driving. This includes texting, adjusting the GPS, or even eating while behind the wheel.
Remember, defensive driving is about anticipating potential hazards before they happen. Keeping your full attention on the road will help you respond quickly to changing traffic conditions or unexpected events. If you're traveling with passengers, assign someone else to handle the GPS, music, or answering messages, so you can keep your focus on driving.
At Get Drivers Ed, we teach drivers to stay alert, remain aware of their surroundings, and minimize distractions at all times—especially during busy travel periods.
Be Aware of Other Drivers
Holiday traffic means sharing the road with more drivers than usual, and not everyone will be as cautious as you. Watch out for drivers who may be speeding, tailgating, or driving erratically. The holidays can also bring out impaired drivers, so it’s important to stay extra vigilant, especially at night or after major celebrations.
Keep your distance from aggressive drivers, and never try to “teach them a lesson” by retaliating. Defensive driving is all about staying calm and avoiding unnecessary risks. If someone is tailgating you, change lanes and let them pass. Keeping your cool will help you avoid dangerous road rage situations.
4. Stay Rested and Take Breaks
Don’t Drive Drowsy
Long road trips can be exhausting, especially when combined with holiday stress. Driving while fatigued can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence, as it significantly reduces your reaction time and awareness. If you’re feeling drowsy, it’s important to take breaks, switch drivers if possible, or pull over for a quick nap.
At Get Drivers Ed, we always stress the importance of rest before a long trip. Make sure you’re well-rested before getting behind the wheel, and if you’re driving long distances, plan to stop every two hours or 100 miles for a short break.
Know When to Take a Break
If you’re feeling tired, don’t push through to reach your destination. Signs that it’s time to take a break include:
Frequent yawning or blinking
Trouble focusing or keeping your eyes open
Drifting out of your lane
Difficulty remembering the last few miles of your drive
It’s always better to arrive late than to risk your safety by driving while drowsy. Take breaks when needed, grab a coffee, or even pull over for a quick nap if necessary.
5. Buckle Up and Follow Safety Protocols
Wear Your Seatbelt
It may seem obvious, but always make sure that you and your passengers are wearing seatbelts. Seatbelts are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself in an accident. No matter how short your trip is, make it a habit to buckle up before you start driving.
Follow Local Traffic Laws
Lastly, follow all traffic laws, including speed limits, stop signs, and traffic signals. During the holiday season, law enforcement often increases patrols to catch speeding or impaired drivers. Stay within the speed limit, avoid reckless driving, and never drink and drive.
At Get Drivers Ed, we advocate for responsible driving year-round. Make safety a priority, and remember that the holidays are meant to be enjoyed with family and friends—not overshadowed by accidents or injuries.
Conclusion: Stay Safe This Holiday Season
The busy holiday travel season brings unique challenges to drivers, but by following these safety tips, you can reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a smooth journey. Prepare your vehicle, plan your route, stay focused on the road, and adjust for weather conditions. Defensive driving and frequent breaks will keep you alert and ready for the long trip ahead.
At Get Drivers Ed, we’re committed to helping drivers stay safe year-round. If you’re looking to improve your driving skills or refresh your knowledge, sign up for our online driver education course today. With the right preparation and mindset, you can navigate the busy holiday travel season with confidence and peace of mind. Safe travels!
