Safety Tips for Thanksgiving Driving

Well, it’s been a beautiful November. That glorious autumn month of fall foliage and pumpkin spice lattes, of cool, colorful walks in nature and getting ready for full-blown winter.  And of course, for Americans, the end of November means we’re about to enjoy the lovely, food-filled holiday of gratitude…Thanksgiving!

If you’ve spent any time in the United States around this holiday, you will already be aware that Thanksgiving is the busiest time to travel out of the whole year. There are more folks flying, bussing, training, and driving now than any other time.  With higher numbers of people going home to family, visiting friends, or just using this time off for a quick getaway, roads in the U.S. are jam-packed.

And with more volume of vehicles filling our highways and byways, it’s smart to go into the holiday and the surrounding travel days equipped with some handy tips. Because in addition to our title and tag expertise here at eTags, we’re also pretty into road safety. Hence, we’ve compiled for you a list (you know us and our lists) of things to keep in mind when heading out across town or across the country over the holiday season.

Here are the key safety elements to bear in mind:

Maintenance. Before anything, before packing up the car and filling the gas tank, before mapping your route, you want to make sure your car, truck, or SUV is road worthy.  Are the brakes ok? Are your fluids clean and at good levels?  How’s the tire pressure?  Are the windshield wipers in good condition? How about your head and taillights? Are your turn signals working?  These are all necessary to ensure a safe passage and help avoid unnecessary incidents.

Flexibility.  Stuff happens.  Circumstances like traffic, construction, road closures, the sheer number of cars all trying to “get there” can slow down or totally change your plans.  For the sake of your sanity – and probably your passengers’ sanity too – it’s a good idea to give yourself extra time, some built-in padding in case you’ve got to pivot or reroute.  And adding that leeway can be a blessing, allowing you to still arrive on time even if you do encounter delays.

Seatbelts. This is true all year round, but especially now when weather conditions can include, rain, sleet, snow, hail…you name it. And with the heavier volume of vehicles packing the roads, it’s even more imperative to take precautions. Buckling up, as we know, can mean the difference between tragedy and triumph.

It usually goes without saying, but in case you need a reminder: seatbelts save lives.

Patience. Okay, so that guy cut you off.  Fine, the traffic is a nightmare. We know, you might show up late to your mother’s house. But practicing patience and mindfulness during busy drive times can really help you avoid rash and impetuous decisions. Rather than speeding, tailgating, or overtaking other cars unsafely as a way of reacting, pausing and considering a response can mean your safe arrival to your destination.

Rest. If you’ve got a big trip ahead of you, make sure you are alert, awake, rested.  If you’re driving on your own and start to feel tired, pull over! Take a break. Stop for a coffee or a snack, maybe.  If you’ve got a co-pilot, share the driving duties with that person.  Having another driver can allow for each individual to rest and then return to the wheel refreshed. Either way, an alert driver is the safest driver, and that means not driving fatigued.

Sobriety. A few drinks, one puff, slightly buzzed: these are all too much influence to get in the driver’s seat. We know, Thanksgiving is a time of celebration, and that often involves alcohol and for some, THC.  But if you’ve had either of these things, you’re probably not fit to drive.  Have a designated driver. Call a taxi. Be okay with staying over for the night rather than driving while your senses are impaired.  This ensures both your safety and the health and well-being of all other passengers, drivers, and pedestrians on the road.

Attention. You see that sign posting a speed limit? Well, it’s there for a reason. Observing and maintaining speed limits as they change over different roadways helps keep all drivers safe.  Speeding, especially when streets are busy, can have disastrous effects.

Stay within the speed limit and stay safe.

Vigilance. While you may be extra careful on the road this holiday season, other folks may not have the same safe driving standards. Keep an eye out for swerving cars, erratic driving, sudden braking, and speeding. Keeping your vehicle at a secure distance from that other guy is just as important as any other safety practice you adopt.

Focus. Anything that takes your attention away from the road and away from the task of driving can be a threat to your safety, as well as the safety of any passengers, nearby vehicles ,or pedestrians.  That means all the things that distract people: calls, texts, emails…any apps that draw your focus away from safe driving.  Listen: it can wait! Whatever is coming at you while driving, if it’s not on the road, it can probably wait until you stop driving. Get there safely, then respond…

And there it is, our list of the top safety tips for Thanksgiving Driving.  In truth, these are elements that could and should be adhered to any time of the year, not just during the holidays. But because of all the extra folks out driving now, it’s nice to remind ourselves how to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.

From our whole team here at eTags:

Have a Wonderful, Safe, Happy, Grateful Thanksgiving!