10 do’s and don’ts for safe Thanksgiving road trips in 2019
It’s no surprise that safe Thanksgiving road trips can be a bit challenging. That’s why Drive Smart Georgia offers these 10 do’s and don’ts to avoid any bumps along your Thanksgiving journey to Grandma’s house.
2019 Thanksgiving travel
The days leading up to and after Turkey Day are always the busiest. The three heaviest Thanksgiving travel days this year will be Sunday, December 1, 2019 (#1), Wednesday, November 27, 2019 (#2), and Friday, November 29, 2019 (#3). The lightest travel day will be Thanksgiving Day itself. According to Budget Travel, 54 million travelers will hit the skies and roads in 2019.
If you’re getting behind the wheel for Thanksgiving 2019, be aware that driving may be difficult due to congested roads and bumper-to-bumper traffic. Plus, weather conditions may be less than ideal. Before loading up the car and heading out, the experts at Drive Smart Georgia recommend these 10 do’s and don’ts for safe Thanksgiving road trips.
#1: DON’T assume your car is ready for a safe Thanksgiving road trip
Just because your automobile has been operating without issues, don’t assume it’s ready for a long and safe Thanksgiving road trip. For example, driving on bald tires is not just unsafe, it’s an accident waiting to happen. Just because your car does not have issues driving around town, don’t assume it’s ready for an extended and long Thanksgiving road trip.
#2: DO make sure your vehicle is road trip ready
Drive Smart Georgia’s first tip for safe Thanksgiving road trips is to give your vehicle the once over. If it’s time for an oil change, make sure to get one before heading out on your road trip. Also, check the pressure in all four tires and make sure the windshield fluid is full.
You can have your vehicle get checked out by a trusted, local mechanic. It’s absolutely no fun being stranded in an auto shop in a strange locale. Plus, many are closed over Thanksgiving, so the ones that are open are likely to charge a pretty penny for any repairs.
#3: DON’T ignore weather forecasts
November weather can be tricky at times. While it’s sunny and warm in one place, it can be bitterly cold with snow or ice in another. If you’re traveling to a colder climate, don’t ignore weather forecasts before heading out.
#4: DO plan your route (and have a Plan B too!) for safe Thanksgiving road trips
After checking weather forecasts, map out your route beforehand. Make sure you have a GPS or smartphone in the car in case a road is blocked or weather turns treacherous. If this happens along your journey, activate Plan B to ensure safe Thanksgiving road trips.
#5: DON’T be a distracted driver
According to AAA, distracted driving continues to be a huge danger on the road. A recent study from the AAA Foundation shows drivers talking on a cellphone are up to four times as likely to crash while those who text are up to eight times as likely to be involved in a crash.
Driving distractions are always dangerous, but especially when roads are overly crowded, like they are during Thanksgiving week. For safe Thanksgiving road trips, it’s essential to avoid all distractions. Period.
#6: DO pay attention to the road for safe Thanksgiving road trips
One of the most dangerous distractions is using your cell phone while driving. For safe Thanksgiving road trips, give your phone to a passenger. Let them do the talking or wait until you make a travel stop for gas or to use the restroom and make your calls then.
Don’t eat in the car to save time. Instead, enjoy your meal in a restaurant for a well-deserved break from driving. Tasks that require a driver to take their eyes or attention off the road should be avoided while the vehicle is in motion- including the use of cellphones, infotainment systems, or navigation systems.
In order to avoid distractions, drivers should do the following:
- Put aside electronic distractions and never use text messaging, email, video games or internet functions, including those built into the vehicle, while driving.
- Preprogram the GPS and adjust seats, mirrors, climate controls and sound systems before driving.
- Properly secure children and pets and store loose possessions and other items that could roll around in the car.
#7: DON’T weigh down your vehicle too much
Your car, minivan or SUV can fill quickly, especially if you’re traveling with kiddos. Every car has a recommended combined weight for both passengers and cargo, but most people have no idea about the safe capacity. A vehicle’s maximum capacity is usually around 800 pounds.
Excess weight can cause your wheels to bulge out and heat up, increasing the risk of a blowout. An overloaded vehicle also affects suspension/traction control, the brakes, and your ability to steer properly. Plus, any sudden steering/maneuvering can result in a spin-out.
#8: DO pack smart
To ensure a safe Thanksgiving road trip, don’t weigh your vehicle down too much. Pack only what is necessary. For any excess items that won’t fit in the trunk, a rooftop carrier is a good option, but be sure everything is tied down securely.
For a list of family road trip packing essentials, check out this article by Full Suitcase.
9: DON’T let the kids get bored
What parent hasn’t been asked, “Are we there yet? or “How much longer?” When kids get bored on road trips, they can be very distracting to the driver.
It’s impossible to predict when a child will do something that distracts you while you’re driving. Unlike a ringing phone, you can’t just ignore or “turn off” children who are bickering or complaining in the back seat.
To avoid unpleasant and potentially dangerous situations, don’t let your kids get bored. Instead, give them activities to ensure a safe Thanksgiving road trip.
#10: DO amuse the pint-sized passengers
Nothing can distract a parent driver more than a carload of cranky, bored children. iPods, iPads, built-in movie screens, coloring books and crayons, picture books, magnetic board games can all help pass the time.
Make sure everything is within easy reach. Don’t forget to load up pillows and blankets. Sleeping children are quiet children.
Conclusion:
To help ensure safe Thanksgiving road trips, keep these 10 do’s and don’ts in mind:
- DON’T assume your car is ready for a road trip
- DO make sure your vehicle is road trip ready
- DON’T ignore weather forecasts
- DO plan your route (and have a Plan B too
- DON’T be a distracted driver
- DO pay attention to the road
- DON’T weigh down your vehicle too much
- DO pack smart
- DON’T let the kids get bored
- DO amuse the pint-sized passengers
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More advice for parents of new teen drivers:
- How to pick the best driving school for your teen driver
- How to save on teen driver insurance
- Car maintenance 101 for teen drivers