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Safe Holiday Travel

As the holiday season approaches it gives us a lot to look forward to. Holiday decoration, gift giving and seeing members of your family as you make the travel from either across town, across state lines or all the way to the other side of the country. This blog entry will give you tips on how to avoid injury and theft and have a safe drive or flight to have a wonderful holiday, a merry Christmas, a happy Channukah or an amazing Kwanzaa.

If you’re driving the most important thing to do is to make sure your car is properly maintained and can make the long drive through the winter. It could be a good idea to get the car looked at if any concerns are made and especially if the winter traffic provides a great amount of snow. Make sure to know your route well ahead of time and use the phone app Waze to avoid greatly congested or dangerous traffic. Keep half a tank of gasoline in your car at all times and keep yourself notified of any oncoming weather patterns. Equally importantly, keep the AAA on your phone in case you need them. Driving in the winter weather is incredibly dangerous and it’s good to make sure you have help available if you need it. Likewise, keep your phone charged and keep a charger in your car if possible so you’re never caught unawares.

If you’re caught in a winter storm and your car dies, AAA gives tips on what to do to keep yourself safe. You shouldn’t leave your vehicle and leave the lights on inside it as low as possible so help can find you. Keep extra blankets and warm clothing in your car in the case that an accident like this could happen. Make sure the exhaust pipe doesn’t get clogged and tie a brightly colored cloth to your car so it can seen throughout the snow.

Also remember-- avoid getting a DUI or driving drunk this season. Much alcohol can be ingested during the holidays and it’s up to you to make sure you do not drive under the influence. It’s a dangerous thing to do and can result in you in jail or a loss of life. Be careful when drinking and be careful while driving.

Flying across the country gives a separate set of challenges. It can be difficult to book and organize your flights during these busy seasons. Make sure to purchase your ticket well ahead of time to avoid it selling out when the going becomes tough. Fill your phone with emergency contacts including that of your airline, your airline’s booking department in case your flight has to be rescheduled and the numbers of various hotel chains in case the weather forces you to spend a night in the airport. Pack well-- avoid anything more than your carry ons if you can help it since it will help you avoid a hassle and confusion at baggage claim.

Follow these tips and we can promise that your holiday travel journey-- whether it’s one state over or flying across the country-- will be a safe one that will result in the happiest of holidays.

Posted by jamesksadigh on Friday, 20 November 2015 in Blog