Are you already humming holiday songs? Are you going to your grandmother’s house for Thanksgiving? You won’t be heading to her home in the lyrical sleigh, but you will hit traffic and dangerous driving conditions. How do you stay safe? University Auto Repair offers these eight tips.
1. Check Your Car
Check or let us check your “sleigh” before you leave. Fluid levels, tire pressure and tread, the car’s battery, and windshield wiper blades and washer should all be checked. Overdue factory-scheduled maintenance should also be performed before you head out to your grandmother’s house.
2. Prepare for Problems
Depending on where you’re driving, make sure you have supplies in your vehicle if you get stranded. Blankets, bottled water, snacks, flashlights, coolant and oil, and emergency flares or triangles should all be stowed away in the car, as should a first aid and tool kit.
3. Avoid Peak Thanksgiving Travel Times
Generally, most people are on the road on Thanksgiving Eve (Wednesday) and the Sunday following Thanksgiving. If you can drive at other times throughout the weekend, you’ll find yourself safer on the road because they’ll be less traffic. You might also find yourself calmer.
4. Sleep the Night Before
Don’t take off to grandma’s house if you’ve been up all night; don’t head home in the same condition. Get plenty of sleep the night before each travel day, so you aren’t tired behind the wheel. Tired driving is dangerous, especially if you inadvertently doze off or zone out for a moment.
5. Pay Attention
Defensive driving is essential when driving during any holiday weekend. There are more drivers on the road, some of them could be intoxicated, and you’ve got a car filled with passengers. Pay attention to the road and nothing else. Tell people in the car to dial down the distractions, too.
6. Take Breaks
Stop and take breaks throughout the drive both ways. Getting out of the car to stretch and walk around helps keep you alert and your spirits up. You’ll want to stay hydrated to avoid fatigue, and you can use the pit stops to not only move and get your blood circulating but also to head to the bathroom.
7. Share the Road
Be considerate of other drivers. Everyone is heading somewhere for Thanksgiving. Be considerate of truck drivers, too, not only because they’re working on the holiday weekend but also because the rigs don’t operate as smaller automobiles do. Treat drivers as you’d want to be treated.
8. Lock the Car
Finally, lock the car when you’re at a food or rest stop. Don’t assume that just because you’re making a quick pit stop, somebody won’t steal your car or something out of it. Hide valuables out of sight and always lock your vehicle. Park under lights if it’s dark outside.
Let University Auto Repair in Flagstaff, AZ, service your “sleigh” before your weekend drive.
