Thanksgiving is coming up at the end of the month and many families are making holiday plans now. If you will be making plans to travel to see your family for the holidays, now is the time to plan for safety. If you are taking a road trip as part of Thanksgiving this year, you will want to enjoy a safe family get-together by:
1) Getting your car tuned up. Make an appointment to get your car tuned up now. If there are any problems with brakes, tires, or other systems you will want to have plenty of time to fix these issues before you have to drive. Taking a longer road trip puts added stress on your car and you want to make sure that your car is up to the task.
2) Packing a car trip kit. Pack an emergency kit for your road trip, including road flares, a cell phone, blankets, water, and a first aid kit. If your car stalls on the side of the road or you are in a traffic collision in Homestead or anywhere else, you will be able to use these items until help arrives. In addition to an emergency kit, be sure to pack an easy-to-access road trip comfort kit. Items such as snacks, water, maps, sunglasses, and a sweater can help keep you comfortable as you drive so that you can focus on the road.
3) Planning your route carefully. Plan at least two alternate routes in case an accident or constriction affects your drive. Be sure to review your route online or on the map so that you don’t have to try to read the map as you drive.
4) Getting some help with driving. If possible, drive with a friend or family member. A driving partner can help you by giving you directions and by taking care of music and other distractions. He or she can also switch off with you on driving duties so that you don’t have to drive while tires.
5) Getting ready for driving outside of Florida. If you will be driving anywhere with winter weather, weatherproof your car. Get good quality winter tires as well as anti-freeze and winter windshield wiper fluid. Consider taking a refresher in winter driving if it has been a while since you have had to drive in snow.
6) Planning ahead for distraction, fatigue, and drinking. Driving around the holidays can be especially dangerous for a few reasons. You may be distracted by your holiday plans and you may be tired by the rush of the season. Your family may be serving alcohol with their holiday meal, and this can also be an issue if you plan on driving after the meal. Plan for these contingencies ahead of time. Fight distraction and fatigue by giving yourself extra time to get to your destination and back home. Be especially careful about planning any driving after your Thanksgiving meal. If you drink, you will not be able to drive. Even if you avoid alcohol, eating a large meal may make you feel drowsy. Give yourself time to recover before getting behind the wheel.
Driving to see family for Thanksgiving is not only economical; for many families, it is tradition. If you plan on going home for the holidays, start planning now so that your Thanksgiving is safe and happy. The law firm of Flaxman Law Group will continue to be available, so if you need legal advice at any time you can always reach a live operator by contacting our 24/7 hotline at 1-866-FLAXMAN (1-866-352-9626).