It’s that time of year again! Thanksgiving is just around the corner, which means many of us will hit the road or air to visit family and friends.
Travel can be fun, but it can also be dangerous. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe when traveling at Thanksgiving.
BEFORE YOU GO: THANKSGIVING TRAVEL SAFETY TIPS
Before you embark on your journey, there are a few things you should do to prepare.
First, make sure your vehicle is in good working condition. This means getting an oil change, checking your tires, and topping off your fluids before hitting the road. You should also pack an emergency kit for your car that includes things like a first-aid kit, a flashlight, jumper cables, snacks, water, and a blanket.
If you have small children, don’t forget diapers, wipes, and changes of clothes in case you find yourself stranded or caught out in bad weather. By preparing yourself and your car before you go, you can help ensure a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday trip.
Check For Inclement Weather Warnings
Mother Nature can be unpredictable, and a change in the weather can have serious consequences if you’re not prepared. To stay safe while on the road, check the forecast ahead of time and pay close attention to any warnings issued by local authorities.
You should also adjust your route based on current conditions — for example, if rain or high winds are predicted, you might take certain roads prone to flooding or tree debris. A little preparation is a simple way to ensure safer travel on Thanksgiving.
ON THE ROAD: THANKSGIVING TRAVEL SAFETY TIPS
When traveling this Thanksgiving, it’s essential to stay safe and focused on the road. When driving long distances, it's easy to get distracted by the sights and sounds of your surroundings, leading to careless mistakes and dangerous situations.
To avoid these hazards, it’s best to eliminate as many distractions as possible. For example, you can make sure that you’ve buckled all your passengers in and that they have plenty of entertainment options. This could mean bringing along books, games, or even movies for the kids to watch.
In addition, minimize the time spent looking at or using your phone while on the road; this means avoiding calls, texts, or web browsing. By keeping these tips in mind, you can have a safe and enjoyable holiday travel experience this Thanksgiving!
ARRIVING SAFELY FOR THANKSGIVING
Safe travel doesn’t end when you’ve reached your destination. Follow these helpful arrival tips to have an enjoyable (and safe!) Thanksgiving trip:
- When you arrive at your destination, take a few minutes to check in with your host or hostess and let them know you’ve arrived safely.
- If you’re staying in a hotel, be sure to keep your belongings close by and never leave them unattended in public areas.
- When out and about exploring, stick to well-lit areas and don’t wander off alone.
- And finally, if you’re drinking alcohol this holiday season, always do so responsibly and never get behind the wheel after having too much to drink.
IS IT SAFE TO FLY FOR THANKSGIVING?
We’ve covered road travel safety tips, but what if you choose to fly this Thanksgiving? If flying to visit friends and family is more your thing, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks involved in flying.
While flying is very safe, several factors can pose a threat to your travel plans, including changes in weather and mechanical issues with planes. We also have to consider safety concerns outside of our control, such as possible security breaches and threats from other passengers.
So is it still safe to fly this holiday season? Yes, it is. There are plenty of precautions and protocols in place at airports and airlines to ensure passengers’ safety.
But of course, it’s always important to be prepared. So make sure that you check your flight status frequently and follow airport security guidelines carefully. And if you’d prefer to avoid air travel during this holiday season, you might take another form of transportation, like driving or train travel.
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and food — not accidents or injuries. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your holiday travel is safe and fun for everyone involved!
So travel this Thanksgiving with confidence, knowing you’ve done everything you can to stay safe. Happy holidays!
Staying safe in your vehicle doesn’t just mean while you’re driving — it also means you’re properly insured. If you need help finding the best car insurance coverage for the best price, start by speaking to a SimplyIOA agent at 833.872.4467 or get an auto insurance quote online now.
