Are you planning a road trip this holiday season? You are not alone. Last year, 52 million Americans took to the roads during the holidays. When our Southside Wrecker drivers are on the road responding to accident recovery or performing other heavy hauling services, they witness drivers facing many unfortunate scenarios. With that in mind, we’d like to offer you five tips for safe travel this holiday season. 

1. Have your car inspected and serviced.
Car trouble can leave you stuck on the side of the road, shivering in the cold instead of sipping hot cocoa by the fire with your family. Besides regular maintenance and ensuring everything is running correctly, you want to winterize your car during the winter.

— Test your battery.

— Make sure your cooling and heating system is in good working order.

— Check tires: Check the tread and replace tires with tread less than 2/32 of an inch. Check tire pressure. Consider installing winter tires with a deeper, more flexible tread. 

— Check wiper blades and replace them if needed.

— Add wiper fluid rated for below 30 degrees.

 

2. Pack an emergency kit.
— All vehicles should have an emergency supply kit. You should check your kit every six months to ensure nothing needs to be replaced. Your kit should include:

— Spare tire, wheel wrench, and tripod jack.

— Jumper cables

— Tool kit or multipurpose tool

— Flashlight with batteries

— Reflective triangles or bright cloth.

— First aid kit with basic supplies (bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, blanket, gloves, thermometer, and instant cold compress).

— Fire extinguisher 

— Duct Tape

— Drinking water and nonperishable foods such as nuts or dried fruit.

— During winter weather, it’s good to have a snow brush, shovel, warm clothing, and blankets. 

 

3. Start your trip with a clean car. 
This may seem unnecessary, but a clean car is safer. Pay special attention to:

— Clean your car’s external camera lenses and side view mirror so you can see what’s around you.

— Clean your windshield and windows. 

— Remove dirt, ice, and snow from sensors to allow the assistive driving features to work.

 

4. Know how to drive safely in winter conditions

— Begin your drive well rested.

— Stay alert. (Tip- chewing gum can increase your circulation and alertness).

— Take breaks. Make brief stops every couple of hours to stretch your legs. 

— Avoid driving on unplowed roads.

— Give yourself extra time, so you are not rushing. 

— Avoid using cruise control in wintry conditions.

— Steer in the direction of a skid, so you don’t have to overcorrect to stay in your lane when your wheels regain traction.

— Increase your following distance. 

— Be aware of impaired drivers. During holiday travel, many accidents involve impaired drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Be alert and aware of those around you.

— Do NOT drive impaired. If you find yourself in this situation, call a ride service or ask someone else to drive. Do not get behind the wheel if you have been drinking. 

 

5. Plan your drive ahead of time.

— Consider the traffic during the times of day you will pass through certain cities.

— Look ahead at the weather forecast and adjust plans if inclement weather is in the forecast. 

— Know your route and be aware of alternate routes. Consider using a smartphone app like Waze to alert you to situations and reroute you safely. 

— Make sure you have an extra phone charger that works in your car. 

— ALWAYS have a designated driver. If you plan to drink at your holiday get together, arrange to have a designated driver that will not be drinking. 

We hope these tips will keep you safe and prepared during your holiday travels. When our drivers are performing accident recovery in Newnan, heavy-duty towing in Fayetteville, or fluid spill response in Atlanta, we hope you won’t need us, but if you do, we are honored to serve you. From all of us here at Southwest Wrecking Services, Happy Holidays!