If you plan to travel to visit family or friends by car this holiday season, be sure you and your vehicle are prepared. Traveling by car during the holidays has the highest fatality rate of any major form of transportation based on fatalities per passenger mile. To practice road safety, follow these tips:
- Equip your car with an emergency roadside kit. Ensure you have jumper cables, flares or a reflective triangle, an ice scraper, a car cell phone charger or power bank, a blanket, a map, and cat litter or sand for better tire traction in icy conditions.
- Sleep. Get a good night’s sleep before you drive.
- Leave early. Plan for heavy traffic.
- Buckle up. Ensure all passengers are buckled correctly no matter how short the distance.
- Avoid distractions. Make sure your cellphone is put away.
- Travel at a safe speed. Be aware of road conditions, such as during bad weather and road repair, to keep you and your passengers safe.
- Drive Sober. Designate a sober driver if you plan to drink. In 2017, there were 10,874 fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes involving drivers under the influence of alcohol.
For more safety tips on staying safe on the road during this holiday season, visit Ready.gov.
Last Updated: 11/30/2021