8 Safety Tips for Holiday Road Trips
Between nasty weather, highway congestion, and general stress, road trips take their toll on family travel during the holidays. Every year, more than 500 fatal accidents occur between Christmas and New Year’s. Don’t be one of them. Follow these eight tips to prepare for a safe holiday road trip.
Get a General Auto Inspection
If your car hasn’t visited the mechanic in a few months, it’s time for a general inspection before you go. They will make sure all your fluids are full, oil is changed, and catch issues before they turn into problems. Don’t let a preventable issue leave you stranded. Talk to you mechanic about your holiday plans so they can give you location-specific advice.
Replace Windshield Wipers
It’s easy and inexpensive to replace windshield wipers yourself and new wiper blades make a huge difference if caught in an unexpected rain, sleet, or snow storm.
Consider Snow Tires
If you’re traveling out of Florida to visit family or friends, check the weather forecasts through all the states you’ll be driving through. If you’re going through any mountain passes, know that snow tires are often required by state laws when there are impending winter storms.
Line Up Emergency Roadside Assistance
In case you need roadside assistance or a tow, make sure you’re covered. Check your plan and update your policy if need be.
Pack a Car Emergency First Aid Kit
A well-stocked first aid kit is of the utmost importance for any road trip. From bandages and antiseptic to aspirin and antihistamines, you cannot be too prepared. If headed north through colder weather, it’s recommended to pack a snow shovel and emergency blanket, extra water and snacks, batteries, and head lamps.
Keep Phones Charged
Keep your cell phone fully charged by bringing a car charger. Also, bring a rechargeable battery pack should your car break down and you need to stay in contact with emergency services, hotels, and relatives.
Coordinate Your Plans
Email a copy of your holiday travel plans to relatives at your destination as well as with any family or friends behind at home. Make sure everyone in the car is on the same page and prepped for what to do in case of a detour or accident. Plan your routes in advance and download road apps to stay up-to-date with weather and traffic conditions.
Auto Insurance Coverage
Does your auto insurance provide enough coverage? Is it good for out of state travel? For more information about getting the right car insurance for you, call Synergy Insurance Group to discuss policies that will protect your family during the holidays and new year.
Before hitting the road, consider a little extra protection in case of an emergency with our Auto Accident Workbook or our Road Trip Safety & Tips eBook. These printable guides are meant to give you peace of mind if an accident were to occur, or even if you need an extra travel planning companion. Click either image to get your copy!