2020 was a rough year for most families. Holidays were canceled, trips were postponed, and Thanksgiving dinner was spent eating turkey while on a Zoom meeting. It is safe to assume that many Americans are ready to resume their normal holiday travel.
With so many of us getting back on the road this festive season, we wanted to give you some tips for keeping your family and your vehicle safe during your holiday travel.
Prepare Your Car for the Journey
Preparing your vehicle before your travels will help alleviate a lot of the stress while on the road. Double-check that you have everything you might need — an ice scraper, jumper cables, road flares, road salt, a flashlight, and even some blankets. With extra trips, cold weather, and a ton of drivers out on the road, you’ll want to be prepared for anything.
Additionally, checking your tire tread is an extra safety step. If you are unsure whether your tires can handle a long journey, you can find resources here. We would also be happy to chat with you about your tires, so please don’t hesitate to contact us. Remember: if you can see Abe’s face when sticking a penny in the tread of your tire, it Is time for a new set.
Car Seat Safety Check
Many communities have annual, or even bi-annual, car seat safety checkups. Sometimes hosted by local fire departments or pediatric clinics, these checkups will ensure your child is safe in their seat when it is time to leave for grandma’s house.
An excellent place to start is asking your child’s physician about local clinics or people who can help ensure your car seat is installed correctly. It is also essential to ask your pediatrician if your child is in the right car seat for their weight, height, and age.
Eliminate Distractions
Distracted driving causes many accidents. In 2019, distracted driving claimed the lives of over 3,000 people. Preparation is the best way to avoid distraction. Call or text your family and friends before you leave and let them know that you will not be responding to messages until you stop at a safe location. For food and beverages, prepare easy to grab and open items.
The holidays are stressful enough without having to go through a car accident. If you happen to have the misfortune of getting into an accident, please contact us at Direct Paint and Collision for an estimate on repair. We wish you safe and happy travels! Our team is thankful for you!