Traveling for Winter Break? Here’s a Few Tips About Staying Safe This Season:

Amelia Borger
Staff Writer

●    Before you begin traveling, make sure the car you’re traveling in is in good condition. This is important especially if you are traveling up north, where states are getting their fair share of rain and snow. Be flexible when planning your trip. If you can, plan to leave in the earlier hours of the morning, or plan to leave according to peak traffic hours. Traffic can increase the time of the trip, and depending on the trip, can make you late. 
●    Always stay alert when driving. You should take a break at least every two hours to stretch, get gas, use the restroom, etc.  Forty-one percent of all fatal traffic accidents are single vehicle accidents, and are usually due to fatigue, are late at night, or early hours of the morning. If need be, stop at a hotel or motel overnight to catch up on sleep. 
●    Snow and ice can be a big issue, especially if you are traveling up north this year. Be sure to check the weather surrounding your travel route, and if weather calls for snow in the area, delay your trip. Just like rain, snow when it is just falling can be just as dangerous. Travel during the day when it is warmest. Be careful of ice, which is dangerous at any time of the day. It can be seen at some times during the day, which makes it look clear. Generally, what you should do is do as little as possible. Try to keep the steering wheel straight, and avoid touching the brakes; stopping can cause your car to skid or spin out. Instead, ease off the gas pedal. 
●    Traveling for the holidays and seeing your family is a great thing to do, and we want you to be safe while doing so. Be sure to drive according to the speed limit, don’t drink and drive, and have fun this season!

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