With millions of Americans planning to hit the roads this holiday season, all the hustle and bustle has the potential to cause a few traffic headaches. But that doesn’t have to ruin the festive vibe.
Staying safe during the holidays is all about being prepared, knowing what to expect, and avoiding the most common mistakes. Here’s what you need to know.
Travel Trends for the 2024 Holiday Season
AAA predicted that nearly 80 million Americans would travel over the Thanksgiving holiday, an increase of 1.7 million over 2023 and 2 million more than 2019. Travel around the December holidays could also be busier than ever. Many of the people surveyed said they’re planning multiple trips over the holiday season, and 70% of holiday travelers plan to head to their destinations by car.
The weather could create some issues, too. While the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts warmer, drier weather across the southern U.S., those traveling in some parts of the north are likely to run into lots of precipitation. That means driving in snow and on icy roads might make things even more complicated.
Defensive Driving Tips for Busy Holiday Roads
During the busy holiday season, these defensive driving skills are especially helpful for handling heavy traffic, unpredictable weather, and distracted drivers.
Keep Your Cool When Traffic Jams
Sure, sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic is frustrating, but it’s important to keep your cool. Leave plenty of space between your car and the one in front of you — at least three to four seconds — to give yourself room to react. And keep an eye on the flow of traffic ahead so you can spot slowing cars or sudden stops before they become an issue.
Patience goes a long way, too. Cutting off other drivers or rushing to merge isn’t going to save much time, but it will add to the chaos. Stay steady, keep your focus, and avoid the urge to match the energy of impatient drivers.
Staying Alert to Other Drivers
There’s a good chance some other drivers on the road will be distracted or stressed. Some might even be driving impaired or dealing with fatigue after long hours on the road. Watch for signs of trouble like cars drifting out of their lanes, braking suddenly, or tailgating.
Instead of engaging, give them space. If someone’s in a hurry to pass, let them. Your priority is to stay safe, not teach lessons. A little extra awareness can go a long way toward avoiding problems.
Adapting to Weather Conditions
Winter weather and shorter days can make holiday driving even tougher. If you’re driving in snowy or icy conditions, take it slow and steady. Avoid sudden moves like slamming the brakes or jerking the wheel, which can cause skidding. If visibility gets bad, turn on your headlights and give yourself even more space to react.
Remember, it’s always okay to drive below the speed limit if the weather or road conditions call for it — safety always comes first.
How to Prepare for Holiday Travel
A little planning can make holiday drives smoother and safer. If you can, start by choosing your travel times wisely. According to Google Maps data, roads are most congested between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the days leading up to the 25th, so consider driving early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid peak traffic.
Planning your route ahead of time is just as important. Use GPS or a traffic app to check for delays and road closures, and have an alternate route in mind in case your original plan changes. If you’re traveling a long distance, take regular breaks to stretch your legs and stay alert behind the wheel.
Also, make sure you’re prepared for unexpected situations by assembling an emergency kit. Include basics like:
A flashlight
Jumper cables
Water
Hazard markers
A list of emergency contacts
Blankets
A shovel
A bag of sand or kitty litter
Avoid These Common Holiday Travel Mistakes
With all the challenges that come with holiday driving, even small mistakes can make your trip go sideways. Here are some of the most frequent missteps and how to avoid them:
Speeding in heavy traffic: It’s tempting to rush when you’re late, but speeding only increases the risk of accidents. Give yourself extra time and keep your speed appropriate for traffic and road conditions.
Driving while drowsy: Long distances, late nights, and busy schedules can leave you more tired than you realize. Take regular breaks, share driving duty if possible, and pull over to rest if needed.
Overpacking or improperly loading your car: A packed car can block your view or affect vehicle handling. Make sure your luggage is secured, and keep items from blocking your review mirror.
Not staying focused: Getting distracted by your phone, adjusting the GPS, or even chatty passengers can lead to mistakes. Keep your attention on the road, and pull over if you need to do a non-driving activity.
Impaired driving: Even one drink can affect your reaction times, so don’t take chances. Arrange for a designated driver, use a rideshare service, or stay put until you’re completely sober.
Make Safety a Priority This Holiday Season
Holiday travel can be hectic, but with a little preparation and the right mindset, you can stay safe and stress-free on the road.
Want to give yourself the gift of confidence this year? Enroll in an online defensive driving course at iDriveSafely. It’s a quick and easy way to sharpen your skills, reduce stress on the road, and help you handle whatever comes your way this holiday season.
Updated 12/05/2024
