Sponsored Content, By Chelsea Bancroft
More than 107 million Americans travel more than 50 miles during the holidays. That’s a lot of people on the road. Add winter weather into the mix and it can make the road conditions even worse! When gearing up for holiday travel this year, Roger Beasley Mazda wants to remind you to follow these tips to help you stay safe.
Prep your vehicle.
Always prepare your vehicle before a long road trip. That includes checking the tire pressure and tread depth, wiper blades, battery and lights, and making sure you’re up to date on your regularly scheduled maintenance. If you’re driving to colder locations, make sure your vehicle is winterized to handle the weather.
Check the weather.
As we all know, Texas weather can change 40 degrees in one day! Check the forecast beforehand so you’re prepared for any kind of weather that lies ahead, especially rain or ice.
Map your route ahead of time.
We all have smartphones with GPS, but it’s still a good idea to map out your route ahead of time and plan for additional traffic. Always download the route/map in case you lose service somewhere along the drive.
Be patient and drive defensively.
With so many people traveling on the roads at the holidays, traffic increases and so does road rage. Keep your passengers safe by driving defensively. Let impatient and aggressive drivers pass, keep extra space between your car and the car in front of you and watch your speed.
Give yourself a break.
While it’s tempting to get to your destination as soon as possible, experts recommend drivers take a break every two hours or 100 miles. Breaking up the drive periodically keeps you more alert, which is especially important when there are so many more cars on the road.
Be wary of theft.
Even though the holidays are a happy time, break-ins and theft unfortunately increase during this time of year. Take precau- tions when traveling this holiday season by keeping valuables and luggage in the trunk. It also helps to park mindfully in a well-lit, populated area.
Don’t drink and drive.
The holidays are a time to be jolly and merry, and drinking is often included in the festivities. Plan ahead to have a designated driver or use a ride-sharing service. Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve are all no-refusal weekends, so for your sake and, more importantly, the safety of others on the road, don’t risk it.
From all of us at Roger Beasley Mazda, have a safe and happy holiday season!
Chelsea Bancroft is the strategic-partnerships and social-media manager at Roger Beasley Mazda and a blogger at onechelofanadventure.com.