Any time the holidays are looming, you can expect busy roads. Nearly 80 million Americans planned to travel 50 miles or more during Thanksgiving weekend this year. Whether the weekend holiday you're traveling for falls in the spring, summer, fall, or winter, always plan ahead so you're prepared.
Plan Out Your Route
Any time you take a road trip, especially during a holiday weekend, prepare so you're ready for anything. Start by determining your destination and the most efficient way to get there. Input your destination into your GPS navigation app and see how long it takes to arrive at various departure times and days. Always account for the chance of an accident.
For holidays that fall on a Sunday or Monday, Friday after work is likely the busiest time on the roads. Try to leave early in the morning or a day earlier to make your drive smoother. Don't forget to factor in the weather. You never want to drive in the middle of a blizzard or other severe weather if you can help it.
Prepare Your Vehicle
If your car isn't ready for your travels, you might not make it there in the first place. Try out these vehicle preparation tips:
Perform basic maintenance — Change your oil as recommended, top off your fluids, and keep your tires in great shape. You won't want to break down on the way to your holiday gatherings.
Prepare an emergency kit — Pack a box with supplies like oil, anti-freeze, coolant, blankets, extra food and water, tools, and a first-aid kit. Always prepare for the worst — you never know what could happen.
Keep everyone comfy — Make it a pleasant road trip by bringing plenty of drinks and snacks. Make sure there are enough charging cables for everyone's devices.
Pack properly — Stack larger and heavier things like suitcases at the bottom and smaller items around them where they fit. If you can't safely see out of your windows, you probably overpacked.
Load your entertainment — If you are a solo driver, prepare your playlists, audiobooks, or podcasts before you pull out.
Take Plenty of Breaks
Drowsy driving caused almost 700 deaths in 2022, and it isn't that hard to avoid. The night before you even leave for the trip, get the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep. Don't drink alcohol before you leave, and avoid taking any medications that make you drowsy.
When you're on the road, take a break every couple of hours to stretch your legs and refuel. If you have passengers, rotate the responsibilities evenly. If you are a passenger, it's your job to handle the radio and phone use and to keep the driver company without distracting them.
Remember, drowsy driving is just as bad as drunk driving. Never drive tired.
Practice Defensive Driving
You can plan and prepare, but if you aren't driving defensively, you run a higher risk of an accident. Always do these things when practicing defensive driving:
Slow down — You could lose control of your car, especially in inclement conditions.
Check blind spots — Look for cars and pedestrians in your blind spots before merging or changing lanes.
Never tailgate — You won't have time to react if the car in front of you suddenly stops.
Use turn signals — It lets other drivers know what you're going to do.
Put down your phone — Pull over if you need to call or text.
Get to Your Destination Safely on the Next Holiday Weekend
If you plan your route, prepare your car, and get plenty of rest, you'll get to your holiday weekend in one piece. If you want some more ways to stay safe behind the wheel, take a defensive driving course at IDriveSafely.com. You can take our state-approved courses at your own pace, entirely online.
Updated 12/23/2024
