The holiday season is fast approaching and many of us are already making plans to spend the season with our relatives. For many families, this means traveling long distance across the country, something which many drivers don’t have a lot of experience with.
Driving long distance, particularly overnight, can feel incredibly daunting. You’re dealing with roads you’ve never traveled on in unfamiliar locations and there’s a whole host of other potential issues along the way. While it’s good to gain some experience and push yourself out of your comfort zone, check out these safe driving tips for the holiday season before you hit the road.
Know how to drive around trucks
If you feel uncomfortable driving around large trucks or 18-wheelers, then you’re not alone. If you find yourself caught up in an accident with a large semi, then you’re the one who’s going to come off worse with severe injuries, a loss of earnings, catastrophic damage to your vehicle and a huge impact on your mental health. Speak with a local truck accident injury law firm if you’ve been involved in a road accident involving a truck or 18-wheeler.
Knowing how to drive around trucks will keep you and your family safe on the road this Christmas. Always give a truck plenty of room and be wary of blind spots. When overtaking a truck, maintain a good speed and never cut back in front of them sharply. Don’t allow yourself to become frustrated at slower moving vehicles – that’s when drivers start to take unnecessary risks!
Give yourself plenty of time
You want to be at your parent’s house before they switch on the house lights. So, rather than leaving late and getting incredibly stressed and frustrated as you travel across the county, give yourself plenty of time. Allow time for heavy traffic, bad weather conditions, bathroom breaks and wrong turns! The more time you have the more you’ll be able to concentrate behind the wheel and arrive on time and in one piece.
Pull over!
You might get to your destination faster if you don’t stop. But the kids fighting on the backseat, the hot stifling air in the car and your road rage won’t exactly make the journey enjoyable. Ensure you get plenty of fresh air during your trip. Have a picnic on the way, or even stop overnight in a motel to really build the excitement. Making regular stops means you’ll be more alert and less likely to make mistakes.
Make sure your car is in order
Before traveling long distance, ensure your car will actually make it! Check the tire pressure and the oil levels before you leave. Make sure your lights are working and fluid levels are high. Ensure you have a spare tire and all the necessary equipment to change it if needed. And make sure you have enough gas!
And finally, plan for the worst
Imagine being stuck in a snowbank for several hours while you wait for rescue! Always pack blankets and additional clothing, food and water as well as a flashlight and a portable charger for your smart devices.