The holidays are always the happiest time of the year, especially if you're spending it with your loved ones. Many gatherings and parties are planned out, and we have to go here and there to meet with our families and friends. With all these holiday plans and trips, you have to be careful when driving around. Although there won't be very much snow this December, the traffic will surely build up as people travel throughout the holidays.
Whether you're riding alone or with your family, here are five tips that can help you optimize holiday driving.
1. Know your destination.
Before you leave, find out if you're going to be stuck in traffic or battling with hundreds of tourist vehicles along the way. Sometimes, major events can be happening near your destination and this might mean there will be heavy traffic in the area. For instance, Houston has a major music festival on December 19 to 20, so expect some influx of tourists in the city on those days.
2. Keep track of your route.
It's not unusual to get lost when you're driving to a totally unfamiliar place. After all, we're only human, and sometimes GPS machines don't work as well as we hoped they would. To avoid getting lost and missing out on special events, make a plan that you can follow while driving. Get an actual map of your route printed out and also carry your handy GPS device. Having multiple guides will assure you that you're going in the right direction. Finally, the best guide is someone who actually knows how to get there.
3. Get forecasts.
Is there an expected traffic disturbance in your area? Check the news for any accidents, traffic jams, or other happenings that may affect your trip. If there's a sudden change of weather like rain, hail, strong winds, or other similar disturbances, you should also take those into account.
4. Give some time allowance.
Don't set your trip for last-minute arrival. Give at least 10-30 minutes of travel allowance in case you do get lost or encounter hindrances along the way. You should also avoid rushing to your destination because this is one major cause of accidents.
5. Be careful.
Finally, be very careful when you drive. This tip is often taken for granted. If you're going to a party, make sure you leave sober enough to drive, and never, ever drive while intoxicated. The holidays are meant for festivities, but driving while under the influence of alcohol is a mistake that can have major repercussions.
This holiday season, make the most of your activities and always stay safe! You will have a better new year if you're happy, healthy, and stress-free.