Monday, November 21, 2011

Safety First During Holiday Travel



According to a new AAA suvey there is an expected 42.5 million Americans who will be traveling at least 50 miles this Thanksgiving holiday. That is a 4 percent increase from last year and most travelers are expected to use our nation's roadways to reach their destinations.
To arrive safely to your destination, here are a few safety tips to consider before hitting the road:
  • Know when to travel. AAA predicts that 90 percent of travelers will be traveling by road to reach their destination and both Wednesday and Sunday afternoons will be the busiest times on the roads.
  • Make sure your car is in good working order.
  • Start out with a full, check the air pressure in your tires and make sure you have windshield fluid.
  • Get 6-8 hours of sleep the night before. Fatigue decreases awareness and reaction time.
  • Avoid distractions like using your cell phone while driving.
  • Observe speed limits and be mindful of road work and road signs.
  • Make frequent stops.  During long trips, rotate drivers.  If you’re too tired to drive, stop and get some rest.
  • Check road conditions and plan accordingly.
  • If you plan on drinking, designate a driver who won't drink.
It is also recommended that you keep an emergency preparedness kit in your car. Useful items include water, snacks, a flashlight, first aid kit, extra cash and blankets. The Red Cross Deluxe Auto Safety Kit is a great solution to help people prepare for emergencies on the road and is available in the Red Cross Store at http://www.redcrossstore.org./

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