Holiday Traffic Safety

‘Tis the season for traveling. As the winter holidays are upon us, many of us take to the roads to spend time with family and friends. With so many people on the roads, it’s particularly important that everyone do their part in keeping the highways of our state safe.

Not only does increased traffic over the holidays increase the risks, so too do bad weather conditions that are common in these colder months. When you add to these factors the occasional drunk driver or overwhelmed and distracted driver, you have a recipe for potential disaster.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there are several things you can do to keep you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road safer. These include protecting your passengers by ensuring that everyone on board is buckled in and that children are restrained in a child safety seat. According to their official website, child safety seats can reduce the risk of death in auto accidents by 71% for babies and 54% for children between one and four years of age.

To do your part in keeping drunk drivers off the road, the CDC makes the following recommendations:

During the holiday season, and year-round, take steps to make sure that you and everyone you celebrate with avoids driving under the influence of alcohol. Following these tips can help you stay safe:

• Plan ahead. Always designate a non-drinking driver before any holiday party or celebration begins.
• Take the keys. Don’t let friends drive if they are impaired.
• Be a helpful host. If you’re hosting a party this holiday season, remind your guests to plan ahead and designate their sober driver; offer alcohol-free beverages; and make sure all of your guests leave with a sober driver.

In addition to these helpful hints, make sure your vehicle is well maintained before taking any road trips, with tires that have a safe amount of tread, and an engine that has received regular maintenance. A blow-out or a stalled vehicle can be an invitation for a highway accident.

Most of all, if you are traveling over the holidays, be patient and aware. Don’t get antsy if you are stuck in traffic, and always practice safe driving.