Over 50 million people travel over the Thanksgiving holiday and over 80 million people travel over Christmas. As a result, the holiday season is the busiest and most dangerous time to drive. Our Southside Wrecker team has witnessed far too many holiday accidents. We are not telling you to not visit your relatives, but recommending these proactive steps to keep your family safe along the road.

  •       Take your car for a checkup—As part of your trip preparations, schedule a visit to your mechanic. Many roadside emergencies could be avoided altogether through preventative maintenance. Your mechanic should definitely check all your fluids as well as your tires.
  •       Pack an emergency kit—Being prepared for an emergency can keep your family comfortable regardless of what happens along the way. We recommend keeping a first aid kit and jumper cables in your car anytime you are driving. During the winter months, adding an ice scraper and blanket would be wise additions. Other helpful emergency items could include flashlights, non-perishable snacks, water, warning flares, and a small tool kit.
  •       Shop early—The six days leading up to Christmas are statistically the most dangerous driving days as many people are frantically completing their last minute shopping. Complete your shopping early so you can avoid the lines and minimize your risk. Shopping while you are on the way out of town for the holidays is inconvenient and more dangerous.
  •       Secure your car—The season of giving can also be the season of taking. Thieves are notorious for breaking into vehicles around the holidays, especially if they are loaded full of valuables and gifts. Be cognizant of what is visible in your car and where you are parking. If you are en route to your relatives’ home, pay attention to where you stop to ensure your gifts and belongings remain secure.
  •       Take entertainment—A long drive can get boring for children quickly. Taking along lots of snacks and entertainment will make the drive more enjoyable for your family and limit the distractions for you while driving. We recommend taking electronic and non-electronic choices, so you have options if batteries run out along the way.
  •       Stop for a break—Locate a safe place to stop every 100 miles along your driving path. You may be tempted to push through to get to your destination faster but overdoing it while driving is dangerous. Your entire family will be happy to stretch their legs anyways.

Enjoy your holiday season with your family. Give us a call if you need roadside help along the way!