Journey Home Safely

The holidays are coming to a close and many are returning home from vacation or trip to visit with out-of-state family and friends.  Wintry weather, busier roadways, and extensive travel time present greater risks.  Drivers need to apply the same safety tips travelling back home as the day they left.

Check weather and road conditions.  Just because the weather and roads are fine where you are does not mean they will be 200 miles into your trip.  Check the Federal Highway Administration's website for up-to-the-minute traffic information, detours and road construction before you leave. The Weather Channel's website identifies weather conditions of interstates and roads.

Plan ahead and know alternate routes.  Before you depart, become confident in knowing your route. Planning ensures that you are prepared for whatever might happen – construction, a road closing, long traffic back-up, or an accident blocking – during your trip.  Also, make sure your GPS is updated or you have appropriate state maps handy.

Pad your schedule, allow plenty of time to reach your destination.

 

Examine your vehicle before you leave. The last thing you want to worry about is being stranded far from home. Check brakes, battery, fluid levels, tire pressure, light bulbs and any parts that need regular maintenance.

Check your emergency equipment, such as a first-aid kit, flashlight, blankets, icy scraper/brush, drinking water and snacks, along with flares and jumper cables.

Don’t leave your cellphone and charger at grandma’s house.  You never know when you might experience car troubles or where you might be when that happens.  Also, be sure to have contact information for roadside assistance on hand.

Wear your seatbelt. Buckle up - not only is it the law; it could help save your life.  Make sure children are in the proper child safety seat.

Don't rush.  Take your time; drive carefully and patiently.  Speeding is never a good idea, especially during the holidays. Use signals to indicate lane changes and give everyone plenty of room.

Know how to drive on icy roads.  Tips include not driving until snow plows and salt trucks have done their job, allowing extra time to get to your destination, decreasing your speed, and leaving yourself plenty of room to stop.

Stay hydrated.  One- to two-percent loss of body weight can quickly lead to fatigue and decreased alertness. Also, your body requires more fuel in the cold.  Keep high-energy food on hand.

Make frequent rest stops.  Making frequent stops to rest or just stretching your legs is important in keeping your energy level high enough to be alert on the road.  Just a few minutes off the road will make all the difference in improving your alertness when you're back behind the wheel.

Lawsuit Financial wishes all of you a Happy New Year and safe travelling!