December 12, 2024
It’s the most wonderful time of year, and here at Agencia de Seguros de Accesso, LLC (A Abana) we can’t help but be swept up in the San Antonio holiday spirit. From festive parties to gift exchanges, the end of the year is a time of family, friends, and merriment. For many of us, this also means extensive travel. Last year alone AAA expected over 100 million Americans to drive to their holiday destinations. With so many drivers on the road and an uptick in traffic, it is crucial to prepare for your holiday journey. Follow some helpful tips for a smoother holiday drive. 10 Tips for Holiday Driving Inspect your vehicle before driving It can be tempting to hit the road without a full vehicle inspection, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends checking your car’s tires, headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and interior lights prior to your departure. According to the NHTSA, as temperature drops so does tire inflation pressure. You can typically find the correct tire pressure for your car on a sticker inside the driver's door or in the owner's manual and on a label located on the driver’s side door frame. As per the NHTSA, it is advised to inspect your tires at least once a month and before long road trips, and if you witness any tire or mechanical issues take your car to a licensed mechanic. Get enough rest The holiday season means parties, and it can be easy to skimp on sleep. The Department of Homeland Security suggests getting a good night’s sleep before you drive. Plan your route ahead of time The last thing anyone wants on a long holiday drive is to scramble for directions. The NHTSA suggests pre-planning your route and accounting for rest-stop breaks and refueling. As per the NHTSA, check the weather conditions on the date of your travel and adjust your plan accordingly. If inclement weather is forecasted for your departure, consider changing your plans to avoid being on the road during a storm. Practice defensive driving The National Traffic Safety Institute states defensive driving is about “defending” yourself behind the wheel by taking a driving approach that focuses on safety and awareness. There will likely be more drivers on the road and possibly even inclement weather conditions. During the winter months it can be helpful to drive with extra caution and to try to anticipate potential hazards before they occur. Fuel your car during the day No one wants to end up stranded in the middle of the night sans fuel! The NHTSA suggests keeping your gas tank close to full whenever possible. If you know that your holiday journey is long, try to fuel up during the day so that you don't find yourself running low on gas late at night. Drive sober Eggnog, mulled wine, and spiked cider oh my! Holiday get-togethers can be filled with tasty (and potent) beverages. While the happiest season is certainly reason enough to celebrate, drinking and driving do not mix! It is against the law to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The Department of Homeland Security advises designating a sober driver if you choose to drink or utilize a rideshare service. Pack an emergency kit and winter supplies No matter what time of year you are traveling it’s a good idea to store an emergency road kit in your vehicle. In addition to typical items such as a first aid kit, cell phone charger, and jumper cables, the NHTSA recommends keeping the following winter supplies on hand: Ice scraper/snow brush Traction aids such as sand or kitty litter Blankets Hand warmers Don’t drive distracted Changing the radio, texting while driving, or trying to divvy up your children’s snacks are all examples of distracted driving that should be avoided. Both the NHTSA and the Department of Homeland Security implore drivers to not drive distracted. Aim to limit potential distractions by paying attention to your surroundings and utilizing your phone's driving or ‘do-not-disturb’ mode. Mind your speed The NHTSA reminds drivers to obey posted speed limits during their winter travel. In case your holiday trip includes different types of roadways, heed all posted notices and adjust your speed accordingly. During this busy time of year law enforcement may be on high alert, so take extra caution and adjust your speed for poor weather conditions. Stow purchases or gifts in the trunk If your holiday driving includes shopping or delivering gifts for loved ones, it is advised to store your purchases or expensive items such as laptops, tablets, and purses in the trunk out of plain view. Gathering with friends, family, and loved ones is an integral part of the holiday season. If you plan on driving to spend the holidays together, A Abana Insurance wishes you a safe and joyous journey. Make your holidays a little brighter with quality coverage from A Abana Insurance this season. Call 210-899-5401 for a free quote today!