Wyatt Johnson Toyota

Dec 18, 2020

One of the best times to be merry is the holiday season. It is that time of the year again where the entire family gets cozy around fires and spends quality time while sipping on hot chocolate. If you’ve been waiting to make a trip to see your loved ones this holiday season, make sure you follow the safety guidelines mentioned below. 

  1. Start fresh and alert– Begin the drive after a healthy amount of sleep the previous day. Also, ensure that you get rest once the drive is over. Take frequent stops, or else driver fatigue could sneak up on you which could lead you into falling asleep behind the wheel.
  2. Plan the trip- Your vehicle has to be in good shape to tackle the current cold conditions. Plan the day by checking the weather a few hours before leaving; this will help you navigate the safe roads. Do not forget to carry a windshield scraper for removing excess snow.
  3. Use technology- Check Google Maps on your smartphone to know the most suitable route for your trip. In addition, a good road trip app will help organize your entire trip, including luggage and places to visit.
  4. Drive defensively- Traffic jams and slippery winter roads can create havoc for your road trip. For the sake your own safety, always let the impatient and aggressive drivers go ahead at any intersection. This will give you the chance to control the flow of traffic.
  5. Speed thrills but kills- Maintain distance with vehicles in the front and keep the speed under check, so that you can apply brakes in any condition. If you unnecessarily try to drive at high speeds on slippery winter roads, it could lead to serious injuries.
  6. Wearing seat belts- The best way to protect yourself in a high impact or low impact crash is to wear a safety belt. It is a very simple but powerful method of protection in an accident. All passengers must be encouraged to do so. 
  7. Stay away from distractions- Sending and viewing text messages while driving is a strict no-no. It would mean taking eyes off the road for almost 5 seconds; imagine how much can happen there at 60 mph. If it is necessary to communicate, do it after pulling over to the side.
  8. Never drive under the influence- Winter will give you numerous opportunities to drink, whether at other peoples’ houses or restaurants. If you wish to drink, remember to not drive that evening. Either get a designated driver for the occasion or sleep over.
  9. Accident coverage- Do you wish to safeguard your vehicle from unexpected accidents? If so, contact your insurance agent to know the details about accident coverage options for you. This is necessary for peace of mind over a long period.
  10. Practical ways to prevent car theft– Certain simple techniques that can ensure your vehicle won’t get stolen. Always keep valuables out of sight or on you. Keep your keys in a pocket or purse and keep your doors locked any time you are away from it.

Do not put unnecessary stress on yourself by trying to do too much in little time. With proper planning, there will be less stress and few chances of you driving aggressively.