20 Dec How to Stay Safe on the Road This Holiday Season
Every year, thousands of people hit the road to visit family or take vacations over the holidays. More people on the road means more risk for an accident, and the longer you drive, the greater your risk of a breakdown or other problem with your vehicle. Here are some holiday road safety tips to keep you, your passengers, and others on the road safe this holiday season.
Travel with an Emergency Roadside Kit and First Aid Kit
It’s best to be as prepared as possible when traveling over the holidays. Buy or put together an emergency roadside kit that includes jumper cables, flashlights, reflective signs, an ice scraper, flares, a cell phone charger or power bank, emergency blanket, water, a paper map, and kitty litter or sand. You should also bring a first aid kit with you for treatment of minor injuries like blisters, burns, allergies, cuts and scrapes, headaches, and more.
Don’t Drive While Distracted
Not only is distracted driving against the law, but it can also significantly increase your risk of a car accident. For the most road safety, do not use your cellphone while driving, especially while on highways or freeways or driving on unfamiliar roads or in unsafe conditions. Use a hands free navigation device and don’t fiddle with radio knobs or controls while driving. If you must make a call, change your route, or look for something, pull over to the side of the road or into a parking lot or rest area to do so.
Get Plenty of Sleep and Take Breaks
Make sure you get enough sleep the night before you drive. Driving while you’re tired can be as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. You should also plan breaks so that you don’t become fatigued or distracted and stay refreshed and focused throughout your journey.
Make Sure Your Auto Insurance is Current
Before you leave on a road trip, make sure your vehicle registration and auto insurance are current. You don’t want to be pulled over and ticketed or face huge penalties for a lapse in insurance coverage should you get into an accident.
Look Up Emergency Roadside Assistance Numbers
If you have roadside assistance, make sure you know what number to call if you need help. If you don’t have roadside assistance, look up phone numbers for national or local towing or roadside assistance agencies in the areas you will be traveling.
If you get into an accident in Tucson, AZ, our team at National Auto Collision Centers can help. We offer minor and major collision repair, loaner vehicles and rental vehicles, paint services, and general maintenance and mechanical repair. We will handle every detail of your vehicle repair to ensure it is safe to drive after being in an accident. We will also make it as easy as possible to deal with your insurance company. To learn more or schedule an appointment for auto repair, call our Broadway Boulevard location at (520) 760-5536 or contact us online.