Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy family, friends, and reflect on everything you have to be thankful for. More people travel on Thanksgiving weekend than any other holiday in the year. If you plan to travel this Thanksgiving, ER Auto Care offers seven tips to help keep you safe on the road.’
1. Plan Ahead
Plan a primary and alternate route with plenty of stops along the way for bathroom breaks. Check for weather and road conditions on each route and set your GPS for traffic alerts. Leave early so you aren’t rushed. Pack the car with emergency supplies in case you get stuck in inclement weather.
2. Keep an Eye on the Weather
Designate a passenger in the car to keep an eye on the weather. If it looks as if you’re primary route is going to get bogged down with rain or snow, use the alternate route if the weather is better on that one. If you can’t avoid inclement weather, slow down and take proper precautions.
3. Slow Down Period
Don’t drive with the pedal to the metal and a mission to get there as fast as you can. Take it easy and stay alert. Make sure everyone stays buckled up and don’t overload on caffeine. Caffeine causes aggression and road rage is not a good look over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
4. Watch for Big Rigs
Thanksgiving is a busy weekend for truck drivers, so watch out for them and respect them. They aren’t going to a family member’s house for a wonderful meal; they’re working. Give them plenty of space and don’t cut them off. Big rigs cannot stop on a dime like passenger vehicles can.
5. Drive Defensively
Watch out for other drivers, as well. You might be cruising along at a good pace without driving aggressively but other drivers could be in a rush and/or drunk. Stay alert and defensive. Know what’s going on around your vehicle at all times and move away from crazy drivers.
6. Be Smart
Once you arrive at your destination, don’t overload on turkey and alcohol unless you’re planning on spending the night. Drowsy driving is as bad a drunk driving and drunk driving will land you jail. Be responsible and only drive home if you are sober and alert.
7. Prepare Your Vehicle
Finally, bring your vehicle into our shop for a pre-trip maintenance visit. We’ll perform any factory-scheduled services that are due and inspect all systems to make sure you won’t break down on the road. Safety and reliability are crucial to an enjoyable Thanksgiving road trip.
Call ER Auto Care in Plain City, OH, to schedule an appointment.
