Driving During the Holidays: 5 Ways to Stay Safe
During any holiday weekend or season, people are travelling. Whether it’s out of state, out of the neighborhood, or even down the block, if you’re celebrating a holiday with family and friends, you’re likely using a vehicle to get there. Staying safe during the holidays is the most important thing because if you’re not safe, you’re not having fun.
Here, we explore 5 top holiday driving tips to stay safe over the 4th of July, and throughout the year.
Choose a Designated Driver
If you’re going to be driving or taking a car to a holiday celebration, it’s important to make sure that no one is driving under the influence. Whether you do this by having a designated driver or using a rideshare service, this is an essential holiday driving tip to stay safe. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fatal DUI accidents are 57% more likely on the Fourth of July compared to other summer days. The NHTSA also reports that 1,390 people died in crashes involving drunk drivers during the Fourth of July holiday period from 2016-2020. These statistics are easily avoidable, so be sure to drink responsibly and have a safe plan to get home.
Know Where You’re Going
It’s important to know where you’re going, no matter how you plan on getting there. Planning out your route and making sure you’re on track will not only give you peace of mind but will also allow you to focus on what’s important during the holidays: spending time with loved ones. If you’re driving yourself and others, make sure to utilize the maps on your phone to get there efficiently and safely. If you’re using public transportation or a rideshare service, make sure you know where you’re going and follow the map to make sure you arrive at your destination safely.
Have an Emergency Plan
Emergencies happen, and in a time of need, access to a fully charged phone is essential. If you plan on using your own vehicle during the holidays, make sure you have a phone charging cord and portable charger in your car. If you’re using public transportation, a ride-sharing service, or another mode of transportation, make sure you have a charger or portable charger on hand. It is always better to be safe than sorry, especially in case of emergency.
Avoid Distractions
When you’re driving a car, it’s a full-time job; be careful not to get distracted by music, your phone, the AC, etc. If you need to use your phone, take advantage of the hands-free capabilities in your car or have a passenger use it in your stead. If neither of these are an option, the best solution is to pull off to the side of the road or find the nearest rest stop. When in doubt, it’s always better to wait to respond to or read a text, than to put yourself and others at risk.
Drive Defensively
During the holidays, there is always an excess of people on the road and it can be extremely stressful. There may be more people driving aggressively over the 4th of July, and it’s important to not only be mindful of these drivers but also steer clear of them. Let impatient drivers pass you so that you can keep yourself and your passengers safe.
Stay Safe with Insure in the Spot
Pro Tip: By making sure your insurance is up to date, you can guarantee that your holidays will be covered. Are you looking for insurance that’s fast, easy, and inclusive? Insure On The Spot is the way to go. No credit checks, the lowest rates in Chicagoland – all without the hassle. Receive a free insurance quote in as little as two minutes and contact us today if you have questions or need more information. We’re here to help you stay safe, and have a wonderful 4th of July!