Whether it’s by land, air, or sea, an estimated 107 million people will be traveling this holiday season.
With all that extra traffic, it’s important to keep yourself safe on the roads.
“Pack your patience with you,” said AAA Spokeswoman Beth Mosher. “Leave distractions alone, let passengers handle the cell phone. The driver needs to focus on the task at hand, which is driving.”
With winter weather an ever-present possibility, you should pack an emergency kit in your car. Essentials include warm winter gear, blankets, jumper cables, and a battery-operated cell phone charger.
If you are in an accident and you’re able to, pull your car to the side of the road and put on your emergency flashers before calling for help.
And when you see someone with their hazard lights on the side of the road, it’s required by law to slow down, use caution, and give them space.
“The ‘Move Over Law’ now applies to every vehicle on the side of the road that has its flashers on. So if you are driving next to a car that is stopped whether with a police car or just stopped on the side of the road with their hazards on, it’s everybody’s responsibility to slow down, move over, and give that car room,” explained Mosher.
And don’t forget, sometimes the smartest driving decision you can make is to not drive. If you’re going to be drinking, have a way to get home that doesn’t involve getting behind the wheel.
Naperville News 17’s Blane Erwin reports.
