With the arrival of the holidays, many families are loading their cars and hitting the road. Unfortunately, safety hazards increase with each additional driver on the road. This, coupled with the onset of inclement weather at this time of year, requires families to be extra vigilant.
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Here Are Some Holiday Safety Tips to Help You Remain Safe Throughout the Season
Make Sure Your Car is Ready
Before any road trip, particularly at this time of year, you should always perform the necessary maintenance on your vehicle. You may want to bring your car in for a tune-up, where the mechanic will add fluids, inspect the tires, and let you know if anything else is required. You can inspect the tire pressure and fluids yourself if you’re handy.
Stay Healthy
The holiday season aligns with winter. When people are packed together in a vehicle, the risk of catching colds and other illnesses increases. Stay hydrated, cleanse your hands, and consume an abundance of vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables with your children. Bring along some refreshments and beverages for the children as well.
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Hide Valuables Out of Sight
Keep all valuables in the trunk of your car or in a concealed location. You don’t want passersby to see your car full of presents! If valuables cannot fit in the trunk, place them in the backseat and cover them with a sheet. Or, acquire a lockable cargo carrier for your car’s roof.
Know the Roads and Be Ready to Alter Your Course
Know your route in advance. Be prepared to depart earlier or later than usual during the holiday season if you wish to get a head start. If you need to exit the freeway and locate an alternate route, use a map or a mobile application for navigation.
Use Child Safety Seats
Car seat safety is essential for holiday travel. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that infants ride rear-facing until the age of 2 years. When a child reaches the age of 2, the car seat can be turned forward-facing. Booster seats come after car seats. Booster seats assist in positioning the child so the seat belt fits appropriately across the middle of the chest and shoulder. A child should not ride in the front seat until the age of 13 unless the airbag can be deactivated if they have outgrown a booster seat.
Keep the Kids Entertained
Bring something entertaining for the children to do in the car. (Trust us) you may be stuck in traffic for a while, so keep the youngsters entertained. iPads and portable game consoles are standard, but for more family interaction, try “I Spy” or other road trip games.
Conclusion
As the holiday season brings more road journeys and potential safety hazards, it is imperative that families prioritize safety. Here are some holiday safety tips to keep in mind: ensure that your vehicle is properly maintained, take precautions to prevent illness, conceal valuables, plan your route in advance and be flexible, use child safety seats in accordance with the guidelines, and keep children occupied during the trip. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your family’s holiday travel is safe and enjoyable. Must-Know Holiday Safety Tips for a Stress-Free and Accident-Free Road Trip!
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