Holiday Travel Tips – Dartmouth, MA. 02745

12/24/2018 (Permalink)

With the holidays in full effect, it’s important to note safe travel practices before heading out on the road this year. Below you’ll find ways to help ensure a safe departure this holiday season - Read on to learn more!

• Prepare your Vehicle for Long Distance

Check your wipers and fluids. Have your radiator and cooling system serviced. Simple maintenance can prevent many of the problems that strand motorists on the side of the road.

• Plan Ahead

Before you get on a highway, know your exit by name and number, and watch the signs as you near the off-ramp. Drivers making unexpected lane changes to exit often cause accidents.

• Do not cut in front of large trucks

Remember that trucks are heavier and take longer to make a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.

• Beware of truck blind spots

When sharing the road with large trucks, be aware of their blind spots. If you can't see the truck driver in his or her mirrors, then the truck driver can't see you.

• Check your emergency kit.Contents should include a battery-powered radio, flashlight, blanket, jumper cables, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable foods, maps, tire-repair kit and flares.
• Keep your eyes on the road

 Distracted driving is a major cause of traffic accidents. Even just two seconds of distraction time doubles the chances of an accident. Use your cell phone when stopped and never text while driving.

• Leave early and avoid risks

 Leave early so you won't be anxious about arriving late and to accommodate delays. Road conditions may change due to inclement weather or traffic congestion.

• Avoid extreme weather conditions

Ice, hail and snow make roads difficult to travel. Try to avoid driving through extreme weather conditions, and travel during daylight.

• Remove ice and snow from your vehicle

Clear snow from your windows and roof to ensure that you have maximum visibility and are not creating a hazard for the vehicle behind you. Don't allow ice and snow to create additional blind spots on your vehicle.

• Beware of the vehicle in front of you

Leave extra room between you and the vehicle in front so you can avoid snow and ice blowing onto your windshield or maneuver around patches of ice.

• Slow down

With the extra highway congestion due to holiday travel, speeding becomes even more dangerous. Allow plenty of space cushion and reduce your speed.

• Buckle up

Safety belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45 percent and are a simple way to increase your safety on the road.

*Information courtesy of the American Trucking Associations