Holiday Road Trip? Don't Skip These Safety Tips

Holiday road trips mean sharing the road with millions of other travelers, many of whom are tired, distracted, or unfamiliar with the route. Exhilarating, right? Here's how to get where you're going safely. 
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The Day Before
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Check Your Vehicle - Check tire pressure and tread, test your battery, top off fluids, and make sure all your lights work. 

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Plan Your Route - Plan your primary route and one alternate in case of weather, accidents, or road closures. Download offline maps so you aren't stranded in dead zones, and check road conditions before you leave.

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Time Your Departure - According to AAA, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after are some of the worst travel days of the year. If you can leave early morning or late evening to dodge peak traffic, do it.

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Pack an Emergency Kit - Keep these in your trunk: blanket, flashlight, jumper cables, phone charger, basic tools, first aid kit, snacks, and water. Traveling through cold states? Add hand warmers and extra layers. You probably won't need it, but if you do, you'll be thankful.

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On the Road

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Stay Aware - Holiday weekends see a spike in impaired and distracted drivers, especially after dark. Drive like everyone around you might make a bad decision, because statistically someone might.

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Watch for Fatigue - Drowsy driving causes thousands of crashes every year. If you're yawning, drifting in your lane, or can't remember the last few miles, pull over. Watch for other drowsy drivers too: erratic lane changes and inconsistent speeds are good indicators.

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Take Real Breaks - Stop every 2-3 hours. Get out, walk around, stretch. Long drives kill your alertness even when you feel fine. Your body needs movement, not just a new podcast episode.

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Give Trucks and RVs Extra Space - Holiday weekends mean more RVs and trailers driven by people who aren't used to them. They brake slower, turn wider, and have bigger blind spots. Stay back and pass quickly when it's safe.

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Know When to Pull Off - If the weather deteriorates, visibility drops, or you're too tired, get off the road. No arrival time is worth the risk.

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If Something Goes Wrong

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If You Break Down: Pull as far off the road as possible, turn on hazards, and stay in your car with seatbelts on unless it's unsafe. If you have flares or reflective triangles, use them.

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Have a Backup Contact Plan: Make sure someone knows your route and expected arrival time. If you break down in an area with no service, they'll know when to start worrying.

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Ensure You’re Covered

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Holiday travel can take you far from home, sometimes across state lines or into rental cars. If you're renting a vehicle, towing a trailer, or driving through multiple states, it's worth confirming your auto policy covers you in those situations. Covered can review your policy and help you understand your coverage options before you hit the road.

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