The holidays are right around the corner, and with them come some of the biggest travel days of the year. If you’re packing up and heading home to family or friends, we have everything you need to know to stay safe on the road.
Distracted Driving
In the age of technology, it may seem impossible to put down your phone, but all it takes is 4 seconds of taking your eyes off the road to get into an accident. Whether you’re distracted by your phone, the radio, or finishing your coffee — these steps can help you avoid distractions:
Be prepared before you leave. Before you start your car and pull out onto the road, make sure you’re really ready to go. Program your GPS for your destination, pick your road trip playlist, and don’t forget to eat before you get in the car. All of these things can keep your mind and eyes on the road.
Put your phone away. When you get into your car, put your phone out of sight — the glove compartment or center console are both good options. If you don’t feel comfortable having it out of reach, consider putting it on silent or ‘Do Not Disturb’ to minimize your chances of getting distracted.
Pull over if you need to. Did you take a wrong turn and now need to reprogram your GPS? Or do you need to make a phone call to update family or friends about your ETA? It’s best to pull over to a safe place to address the issue rather than attempting to multitask.
Drowsy Driving
Did you know fatigue can affect a driver the same way a drink can? Reaction time is slowed, and judgment and vision can become impaired. These tips can help you stay awake and alert on your holiday drive:
Get plenty of sleep. It’s best to travel after a night of well-rested sleep rather than rushing to get on the road after a long workday.
Take breaks. If you have a long distance to go, you should schedule breaks every two hours. If you feel sleepy at any point during your drive, it’s best to stop driving. Find a safe place to take a break, like a rest stop to grab a coffee or a hotel to nap and rest your eyes.
Use the buddy system. If it’s possible, it’s best to travel with someone. Make sure your passenger stays awake while you are driving so they can help you stay focused on the road. It’s also a good idea to take turns driving for long stretches.
Drunk Driving
Drinking and driving is not only illegal, it puts your life and others on the road at risk. No matter what the circumstances may be, there is no excuse to get behind the wheel after drinking. If you choose to partake in festivities at a holiday party, these tips can get you home safely:
Designate a sober driver. Before you even arrive at the party, make sure you have a designated driver who will stay sober and who can get you home safely at the end of the night. This driver should not be drinking at any point in the evening.
Call a taxi. If at the end of the night, no one is in a condition to drive, remember that a safe ride is just a click or phone call away. Call a taxi or get an Uber or Lyft to get home safely.
Make safe decisions. If you are old enough to consume alcohol and choose to do so, always drink responsibly.
Everyone has different holiday traditions, but if one of those involves traveling, Boston Insurance wants to make sure you get there safely. Have a safe and happy holiday celebration with family and friends! For more tips for the holiday season check out our #BostonHacks onFacebook andTwitter.
