There are several things you should know about driving during the holidays or in bad weather. You can’t be too careful, first of all. Not only are there more inexperienced drivers traveling in unfamiliar areas visiting family on the road, there are sometimes unknown obstacles or hazards that you may not see or be aware of. And in addition to tying down your family in the vehicle, you need to tie down any cargo in the back or truck bed that may become a flying projectile either when slamming on your brakes or being unfortunately involved in an accident, preferably with a cargo net or similar restraint. Even a simple rear end can throw a scorching hot cup of coffee flying in the wrong and unwanted direction, so make sure all your stuff is secured.
Here are a few tips for keeping your family safe and most importantly, alive, while on the road:
- Check your tires before going anywhere, anytime. If they look worn, you may want to consider replacing them. If tire condition is ok, check your air pressure and for any objects that may be lodged in your tires that you didn’t see possibly causing a slow leak, if so, get it repaired.
- Check your oil and look for any leaks. Also make sure you have plenty of fuel.
- Make sure you’re window defroster works. If it doesn’t work while you’re driving, pull over immediately and wipe down. Keep towels and window cleaner handy and make sure you keep proper airflow through your windows to avoid fogging. You should also carry a scraper and possibly chains if driving in ice or snow.
- Make sure your seatbelts work for each passenger.
- Make sure you have plenty of snacks and water in case of a minor setback. Having a custom emergency survival kit in a backpack with food, water, etc…for your family for a week would be ideal in case of natural disaster. Keep one in vehicle and another in the house. Also discuss with each member of your family what to do in an emergency or if somebody is injured.
- Drive slowly, take your time. Life’s too short not to enjoy the scenery.
- Keep an eye out for what’s called ‘black ice’. When you’ve seen it once and can recognize it, you’ll know what it is forever. If you can at all avoid it, never ever put your brakes on when going over black ice. So, if you suspect there might be black ice on the highway you’re traveling on or you see ice on the road, slow down and travel with precaution, especially around vehicles traveling in any direction on the same road.
- If you have a technical issue with your vehicle while in route, pull over as carefully as possible and check, or call AAA or a similar road service. Being a member of AAA pays off.
- Know what’s going around you 360 degrees at all times. You should be regularly if not constantly checking the traffic in front, to the sides and in back of you at all times. If you see somebody driving erratically, get over.
- Use a custom cargo net or similar restraint system such as the Gladiator Rubicon Interior Cargo Net, to help keep any items that may be loose in the back or bed of your vehicle.
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