Holiday Travel Tips

The busy holiday season is here!  With it comes lots of food, a change in weather, and plenty of holiday travel. Traveling over the holidays can be time-consuming and hectic, making it important to slow down and take precautions while on the road. Below are some suggestions to help you arrive safely for holiday celebrations and festivities:

Give your vehicle a once-over

Check your battery, engine, brakes, tire pressure, coolant, transmission and windshield washer fluids before driving. Also, make sure mirrors and seats are adjusted and seat belts are working properly.

Avoid major travel days and late nights

Consider arriving at your destination a day or two before major travel days to save time and frustration. Also try to avoid driving late at night as darkness may make it difficult to see in adverse weather conditions.

Obey road signs and traffic laws

This information has your safety in mind. Do not speed and make sure everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seat belt. In addition, if you’re planning to drink alcoholic beverages, select a designated driver in advance. Make sure this person is aware of all responsibilities.

Respect commercial vehicles

When driving near commercial vehicles such as trucks and buses, be aware of their “No-Zones”-dangerous blind spots where your vehicle disappears from the view of the truck or bus driver. Remember: If you can’t see the driver’s face in the side-view mirror, he or she cannot see you. When passing these vehicles, complete your pass quickly and safely.

Be cautious of winter conditions

Be aware of black ice, a thin layer of transparent ice that forms when the temperature is around the freezing point. Ice build-up on mirror arms, the antenna or top corners of your windshield are signs that patches of black ice may have formed on the road. Also use extra caution when approaching elevated structures like bridges. They are usually the first to freeze and are not always treated with ice/snow melt materials. When you need to slow down quickly in slippery conditions, lightly pump your brakes to help reduce the chance of locking your tires and spinning out of control. If your car has an anti-lock braking system, hold the brake down as far as possible in an emergency.

Eliminate distractions

Make sure children have things to keep them occupied so they do not distract you. Keep the radio at a low volume and do not use your cell phone while driving. Pull over or have a passenger make any necessary calls.

Taking extra precautions during the holiday travel season is necessary to help ensure the safety of everyone on the road. Being mindful of your surroundings will help avoid an accident or breakdown and will make celebrating the holidays even more enjoyable. For additional driving tips or for more information on sharing the road safely with commercial vehicles, visit the Illinois Department of Transportation website.