Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of the year! People generally gather together and spend time with family and friends they don’t typically get to see often. Along with the delicious food also comes the holiday traffic. A huge number of people travel during Thanksgiving whether it be by plane, bus, train, or car. More than forty-eight million Americans are planning on traveling by car this year. With more people on the roads, the possibility of more accidents increases. Here, Doug Yates Towing & Recovery discusses Thanksgiving travel safety and tips to keep you safe this holiday season.
Thanksgiving Travel Safety Tips
Give Yourself Enough Time
The busiest times to be on the road are the weekdays before Thanksgiving and the entire weekend after. Don’t get caught in the mix. Beat the rush and travel outside these days. If you can’t avoid traveling these days, get up extra early and hit the road. Additionally, get all your stops done before you travel to avoid time-consuming stops along the way. Fill up the car with gas before and check the forecast as well so you’re prepared for any inclement weather. Rushing out the door and speeding just increases your chances of getting into an accident.
Pack Road Snacks
When you’re driving a long distance for Thanksgiving, it can be tempting to stop and grab something easy. Make your trip a little easier by packing some healthier snacks like trail mix, fruit, crackers, protein bars or veggies. Not only does bringing healthy snacks help keep your appetite at bay, but it can also save you money. Don’t forget to pack plenty of water, too. Staying hydrated while you’re on the road can keep you focused and energized during those long hours behind the wheel.
Prepare Your Car For Thanksgiving Travel
Before you hit the road for Thanksgiving, make sure your car is ready for the road trip. Get an inspection, if needed, to make sure everything is in good working condition. Have your oil changed, top off all your fluids, and rotate your tires so you’re ready for thanksgiving travel. Even consider cleaning out the interior of your car since you’ll likely be spending many hours in it during the holiday. With a clean and inspected vehicle, you can rest easy knowing you’ll be driving in safety and style.
Entertainment For The Ride
Road-tripping doesn’t have to be boring. Whether you’re spending 20 minutes or multiple hours in the car, you can still have a good time with your family or friends. Fill a bag with your favorite games and books and update your music playlist with your favorite tunes. Make the road trip a little more enjoyable for everyone in the car.
Emergency Kit
If your vehicle doesn’t have an emergency kit, now is the time to purchase one for your vehicle. A good emergency kit has blankets, road flares, a basic first aid kit, bottles of water, a flashlight, batteries and some non-perishable items. Make sure your vehicle is stocked with the necessities that may come in handy during an emergency. It’s not always fun to plan for the unexpected, but if something does happen, you’ll be happy you were prepared.
Periodic Breaks Are Necessary
Long hours behind the wheel can take its toll on your mind and body. Especially if you don’t take time to rest, stretch or even use the restroom periodically. It can be tempting to speed and drive straight to your destination, but try to refrain. If you plan your road trip to include stops, make sure those include time to move about and keep blood circulating, which can keep you awake and focused.
Need A Tow? Call Us Today!
Doug Yates Towing and Recovery is located in the city limits of Chattanooga, one of Tennessee’s most vibrant business communities. Since 1946 it has been the company’s mission to conduct business with integrity and professionalism in all phases of day-to-day services. We offer 24/7 towing and recovery services for all motorists and vehicle types during Thanksgiving travel. Our team of tow truck technicians will help get your vehicle wherever it needs to be safely and securely. You can count on us for all your towing & recovery needs. Give us a call today!