There is no place like home for the holidays, and for many of us, that means hitting the road to be with our loved ones. The Bureau of Transportation estimates that long-distance trips increase by 24-54% between Thanksgiving and Christmas, which means more opportunity for road-related accidents, fatalities, and injuries. 

Prepare your vehicle
Before embarking on your journey, be sure to have your vehicle thoroughly inspected by a trusted mechanic, make any necessary repairs, and top off all fluids so that you won’t hit a snag along the way. Stock the trunk and storage compartments with any first aid, safety, and emergency equipment you may need, including blankets, flares, winter gear, and repair tools. Be sure to leave early and plan for potential setbacks by reviewing forecasts and local traffic conditions. 

Share your plans
Share your itinerary with those you are visiting. Keep them abreast of the route you plan to take, when you’re leaving, and when they can expect you. This not only helps them keep tabs on your progress, but it also allows them to alert authorities if you do not arrive. This backup plan will be invaluable if your vehicle breaks down in an area with low-to-no cell service. 

Take a rest
Be sure to take a break every two hours. Not only is it bad for children and infants to remain seated for long periods of time, but it’s also important for the driver to stretch their legs, give their eyes a break from the road, and use the restroom. Make sure that all in-vehicle entertainment does not distract the driver from their task and cannot lead to additional injuries in the event of an accident. 

Any road trip comes with risks, but with a little planning, you can keep your family safe and arrive at your destination in time for the holiday festivities.