When you think about the holiday season before it hits, you probably think of your family traditions and the delicious food you’ll soon be eating. What you may forget about is holiday travel and the stresses it can cause.
However, holiday driving doesn’t have to be entirely about traffic jams, grumpy kids, and sleet on the roads. By following a few simple holiday driving trips, you can make your travel experience this holiday season much more safe and enjoyable.
Watch the Weather
Many holiday drivers are forced to leave home in horrible weather to make it to their destination on time. Watch the weather before you leave, and keep an eye out for areas that will be experiencing icy or snowy conditions. Avoid those areas if possible, and if not, allow yourself some extra travel time.
Be Cautious Around Large Trucks
No one likes having to pass semi-trucks in winter driving conditions, but you can make sharing the road with them a lot easier. Don’t cut in front of them. They take much longer to stop than a car, so allow them plenty of space before you merge back into their lane after passing. Be careful of their blind spots too. If you can’t see the driver in their mirrors, they can’t see your vehicle.
Drive Slow
Holiday driving almost always involves a conversation about “making good time” on the road. Forget about how long it takes you to get to your destination, and focus on safety. This means driving slower in winter conditions than you would on clear roads. Speeding is also much more dangerous on a congested roadway, so slow down in heavy traffic.
Watch the Road
While it can be tempting to look at your phone or GPS, don’t do it! Have passengers do the navigating and text messaging for you. Just two seconds of taking your eyes off the road can double your chance of an accident.
Service Your Vehicle
It’s important to make sure your vehicle is ready for long-distance travel before you hit the road. Bring your vehicle by your Temple Ford dealer, Johnson Bros. Ford, and our Johnson Bros. Ford service department will have your vehicle in top shape before you leave.
