The American Trucking Associations and professional drivers from ATA’s Share the Road highway safety program are encouraging the estimated 115.2 million people traveling over the holiday season this year to practice safety as they hit the road.
“Make sure everyone can enjoy the holidays this season by putting safety first when traveling,” said Bob Bramwell of ABF Freight System, ATA Share the Road professional truck driver. “As a professional truck driver, I am one of the last drivers on the road, delivering everything necessary to make the holidays shine bright.”
Snow and ice pose challenges for drivers. Being aware of the weather conditions and forecast can prevent unexpected circumstances and make for a safer trip. Always exercise caution on the road, even when traveling at low speeds.
“Inclement weather conditions on the road create driving hazards that require extra caution when traveling during the holidays,” said Darrien Henderson of J&M Tank Lines, ATA Share the Road professional truck driver. “That is why it is important to follow the safety guidelines to ensure you make it safely to your holiday destination.”
See also: How drivers can stay safe around holidays
11 tips for holiday driving
- Buckle up: Safety belts save lives. Day or night, wear your safety belt at all times, whether you are in the front or back seat..
- Remove ice and snow from your vehicle: Clear your windows and roof of snow to ensure you have visibility and avoid creating a hazard for the vehicle behind you. Do not allow ice and snow to create blind spots on your vehicle.
- Slow down: The chance of a crash nearly triples when you drive faster than the surrounding traffic. Icy conditions can make the roads slippery; slowing down your vehicle will help you avoid losing control.
- Do not drive impaired: There is much to celebrate this time of year during the holiday season. With that said, driving is a great responsibility, and your fellow travelers are relying on safe and attentive drivers to respectfully share the road and make good decisions.
- Be aware of truck blind spots: Whenever you are sharing the road with large trucks, be aware of their blind spots. If you cannot see the professional truck driver in his or her mirrors, then the professional truck driver cannot see you.
- Keep your eyes on the road: Distracted driving is a major cause of traffic accidents, especially among young drivers. Even two seconds of distraction can double the chance of an accident. Never text while driving.
- Do not cut in front of large trucks: Keep in mind that trucks are heavier and take longer to stop, so do not cut in front of them.
- Prepare your vehicle for long distance travel: Check your wipers and fluids. Have your radiator and cooling system serviced. Simple maintenance before you leave your home can prevent many of the problems that might strand motorists on the side of the road.
- Leave early and avoid risks: Leave early so you will not be anxious about arriving late. Road conditions may change due to inclement weather or traffic congestion.
- Be aware of the vehicle in front of you: Leave extra room between you and the vehicle ahead.
- Understand congestion patterns: High traffic volumes lead to greater opportunities for accidents, so plan your trip to avoid traffic bottlenecks and increased traffic volumes.
