Safe Holiday Driving

Holiday events and celebrations are exciting times for family and friends, but holiday travel can turn into tragedy when people are killed or injured in accidents.

As the holidays approach, Brown & Scoccimaro would like to remind drivers of the following tips for safe holiday travel.

Before you start your trip, make sure your vehicle is tuned up and in good shape for travel. This is especially important for winter driving conditions. •

  1. Restrain yourself and your passengers properly in seat belts and child safety seats. The rear seat is the safest place for children of any age to ride. •Small children in child car seats are safer facing the seat.
  2. Be flexible with travel plans. Leave early if you can to avoid the peak traffic hours and avoid being rushed.
  3. If snow is predicted where you plan to travel, change your schedule. It’s better to change plans than risk the lives of traveling family and friends. •
  4. Stay fresh and alert while driving. Take breaks and don’t push yourself to meet impossible schedules. If you’re tired, pull over at a rest area or open business, or someplace away from traffic. Step out of the vehicle for fresh air, buy a refresh drink or snack, and relax until you feel revived. If this doesn’t work, find a motel or campground and spend the night. Forty-one percent of fatal traffic accidents are single vehicle crashes. These crashes most often occur during the late night/ early morning hours and the late afternoon hours.
  5. Watch your speed. Not only will you avoid being ticketed, your and your passengers will be safer. Give yourself time and distance to react to traffic around you. Let impatient and aggressive drivers pass you or go through the intersection ahead of you so that you control the situation. •
  6. Do not pass if visibility is limited. • If you’ll be drinking at get-togethers, choose a designated driver to remain alcohol free. •
  7. Because driving requires your full attention, pull off the road if you have to use your cell.