As the festive season approaches, our focus naturally turns to celebrations, gatherings, and well-deserved relaxation but amidst the joy and merriment, road safety is still important. With increased traffic, potential winter weather conditions, and holiday distractions, it's important to take extra precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. By following a few simple tips, you can minimize risks and make your holiday travels stress-free.
Here are some holiday season safety tips for drivers to keep in mind as you embark on your holiday journeys!
Plan Ahead for Safe Travel
Whether you’re planning ahead for a festive night out, the daily morning commute amongst winter conditions, or a holiday road trip to a seasonal destination, carefully choosing your route ahead of time, considering factors such as distance and weather conditions, will ensure a smooth and safe drive.
If you’re heading out for a holiday celebration, take the time to plan your journey beforehand especially if your festivities will include indulging in drinks, arrange for a safe ride home or at the very least, a plan for a safe ride home, by designating a driver, utilizing ride-hailing services, or opting for public transit. You can also find Operation Red Nose in some areas, which provides two drivers so you and your vehicle can get home safely.
Stay Focused, Stay Safe
In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it's easy to get distracted, but keeping your full attention on the road is an important step for a safe and enjoyable journey. When you minimize distractions, you can enhance your driving experience and arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and relaxed.
To stay focused, try planning your route in advance to reduce the need for navigation while driving. If you're traveling with others, delegate tasks like adjusting the climate controls or navigating to keep your attention on the road. Your phone should be set to silence or Do Not Disturb to avoid the temptation of checking notifications, and even better, store your device in the glovebox or trunk.
For long trips, take regular breaks to rest and recharge. Fatigue can be a major distraction, because it impairs your judgment and reaction time, making it even more important to stay focused. By prioritizing safety and avoiding distractions, you can enjoy a peaceful and stress-free holiday journey.
Check Your Vehicle's Condition
Before embarking on your holiday journey, you should make sure any vehicle you’re using is in top condition. A well-maintained vehicle can significantly improve your safety and peace of mind. Take some time to conduct a pre-trip inspection, and if you’re setting out on a road trip you should do this well beforehand so there is time for any necessary repairs or maintenance.
When completing a pre-trip, inspect all the headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals to ensure they are working properly. Poorly functioning lights can reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents. You should also check your tire pressure and tread depth before every drive. Low and flat tires can happen suddenly and without notice, and if you spend too much time driving on inadequately inflated tires, this can cause damage and increase the risk of accidents. Having tires maintained with proper tread and tire pressure can improve fuel efficiency and handling, especially in adverse weather conditions.
You can easily test your brakes, ensuring they are responsive and effective, as you’re rolling out of your driveway. Apply gentle pressure to the brake pedal to feel for a smooth, consistent response. Gradually increase the pressure to ensure the brakes engage firmly and bring the vehicle to a stop. If you notice any unusual noises, vibrations, or spongy feeling in the pedal, it's best to have your brakes inspected by a professional.
Clear visibility should be a top priority for any winter drive! Inspect and, if necessary, replace worn-out wiper blades to ensure optimal performance. Wiper blades should be replaced at the start of the fall or winter season, so you aren’t caught with issues during inclement weather. Be prepared and ready for anything by having a spare pair of wipers in the trunk!
Expect the Unexpected
In the event of an unexpected breakdown or emergency, having a roadside emergency kit can be a lifesaver. Pack essentials such as a first aid kit, flashlight, blankets, water, non-perishable snacks, and a basic toolkit. Being prepared for unforeseen situations can provide peace of mind and ensure your safety until help arrives.
While taking proactive measures to prevent roadside emergencies is important, it is also wise to have a roadside assistance plan in place for when things go wrong or you find yourself in an unexpected situation. Whether through a membership service or your insurance provider, having access to assistance in case of a breakdown or accident can alleviate stress and expedite help when you need it most. The Michelin Promise Plan is our top pick for roadside assistance plans this year! This warranty promise is provided to all customers for three years after the purchase of Michelin brand tires, and it includes a flat tire changeout, fluid (gas, water, ec.) delivery, lockout service, and a battery jump start!
Drive Defensively & Be Aware
Especially during the holiday season when roads may be busier and weather conditions unpredictable, drivers should take their time and drive cautiously. Take your time, obey speed limits, and maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles. Maintaining a generous following distance from other vehicles will give you more time to react in case of sudden stops or other unexpected events. Following distance also ties into your vehicle’s speed. Posted speed limits are meant for ideal driving conditions, so when wintertime comes around and the roads have the potential to be wet, slippery, icy, or snowy, your speed should be decreased to reflect the less-than-ideal road and weather conditions.
You should also be paying close attention to other road users. Many drivers just think of other drivers, but we should also be cautious of pedestrians and cyclists. There may also be an influx of pedestrians due to school and work holidays, so watch for people enjoying the brisk weather and time off! If there is snow or ice build-up along sidewalks and bike lanes, these road users may be tempted to walk on the cleared road instead. Whether other road users are following best practices for being safe, it’s up to all of us to make sure everyone gets home safely, so be ready to adjust your own driving behaviours to maneuver or facilitate others.
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As you embark on your holiday travels, keep these tips in mind to prioritize safety and make your journeys merry and bright. Safe driving is not just a responsibility - it’s a gift you give to yourself and others during this season of celebration. Drive responsibly, and here's to a safe and joyous holiday season on the road!