Most travelers hope to safely get to and from their destinations with minimum issues during the winter months, no matter what snow, ice, sleet, and freezing rain they may encounter. In fact, the American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts that over 50 million people travel across the nation during the holidays.
With that in mind, here are some winter travel safety tips and tactics to help you avoid spending your time stuck on the freezing roadsides.
Prep Your Car
A common issue that travelers face during traveling during the holidays is car trouble, as snow can take a toll on roads and vehicles. Getting stuck on the roadside in the freezing weather is the last thing you’d want to experience your vacation. That’s why it’s best to have your scheduled Subaru maintenance and inspection to ensure it’s fit for the icy roads.
Know Your Route
Take advantage of weather apps or the internet, and find the best routes to avoid any mishaps while on the road, such as facing a monsoon. Take note of routes with plenty of hotels and other rest stops to ensure you have a place to stay in case you get hit by a rainstorm or hail while driving. Additionally, it’s best to make a list of the Department of Transportation road conditions and emergency hotlines to make sure help is just one call away.
Assemble an Emergency Kit
Whether you’re driving through snow-filled highways or taking the plane the next morning, having a ‘winter emergency kit’ is essential. Assemble a basic kit containing an extra pair of gloves, waterproof pants, coat, boots, a blanket, and a flashlight. Additionally, if you’re driving, make sure to bring extra jumper cables and a windshield scraper.
Know How to Navigate Through Icy Roads
Even if you consider yourself a great driver, you should still study how to drive your vehicle on ice and snow-filled roads to ensure safety. Brush up your driving skills in the snow by reducing your speed, leaving ample space between your car and others on the road, and giving yourself additional time to get to your destination. Moreover, stay away from skids when accelerating by slowly stepping on the gas pedals and never use cruise control during winter conditions.
Stay Focused
Distracted driving is the leading cause of car accidents globally, so make sure you say focused whenever you’re behind the wheel. If you’re traveling with someone else, assign someone to be the navigator to help you take the right routes safely, refrain from using the phone while driving, and remind passengers to keep voices and the radio down to avoid any distractions. It’s also best to split the driving possibilities with others (if applicable).
Get the Right Coverage
Before you hit the road, especially when going on long drives, ensure you contact your insurance agent to see what accident insurance coverage options you should have to make sure you’re fully covered while on the road. It’ll give you peace of mind and your wallet protected, allowing you to enjoy the holiday trip with ease.
Whether you’re hitting the road with your family or going to another state for the holidays, following the travel safety tips mentioned ensures a safer and more fun trip.
