Planning Safe Transportation for the Holidays: Top 10 Holiday Travel Tips to Keep Your Journey Safe

The holiday season is all about gatherings, celebrations, and spending quality time with loved ones. It’s also one of the busiest travel times of the year, making safe transportation planning essential. Whether you’re going out for a night of festive fun or embarking on a cross-country journey, these holiday travel tips will help ensure you get to your destination safely, allowing you to focus on what truly matters – the holiday spirit and the people you’re with.

1. Plan Ahead for Safe Holiday Travels

Holiday travel planning is about more than choosing a destination – it’s also about making sure your route, vehicle, and accommodations are set for a safe journey. Before hitting the road, follow these holiday travel tips for a comprehensive safety plan that keeps your journey safe, smooth and stress-free:

• Check the weather forecast: Unpredictable winter weather can impact road conditions and travel plans. Look up weather conditions for each leg of your journey.
• Map out your route and alternate routes: Heavy traffic, accidents, or construction can cause delays. Having alternate routes ready can prevent unexpected stress.
• Book lodging in advance: If your trip is long, plan overnight stops in advance so you don’t find yourself driving late at night or without rest.

2. Keep Your Vehicle Road-Ready

A vehicle in top shape will go a long way toward keeping you and your loved ones safe while traveling. Conduct a pre-trip inspection or service your vehicle to ensure you’re following essential holiday travel tips for vehicle safety:

• Check your tires: Ensure they’re properly inflated and have enough tread to handle icy or snowy roads.
• Inspect your brakes: Reliable brakes are a must, especially in winter driving conditions.
• Top off fluids and replace windshield wipers: Wipers and washer fluid are critical for visibility during snow or rain.
• Pack emergency supplies: Have a winter driving safety kit that includes blankets, food, water, flashlight, flares, and a basic first-aid kit. Consider also packing jumper cables, an ice scraper, and tire chains.

3. Secure a Designated Driver or Alternative Transport

For holiday gatherings involving alcohol, securing a designated driver or arranging alternate transportation is essential for holiday travel safety. Drinking and driving, even after just one drink, can impair judgment and reaction time. Here’s how to ensure a safe ride:

• Plan for a designated driver: Choose someone who won’t be drinking to drive everyone home safely.
• Arrange for ride-sharing or taxis: Apps like Uber and Lyft make it easy to get a ride if you can’t drive home yourself.
• Use public transit or shuttle services: Many cities offer public transportation options that operate extended hours during the holidays. Some holiday events even provide free or discounted shuttle services for attendees.
• Look into nearby hotels: If scheduling a safe ride home isn’t an option, consider booking a hotel nearby to eliminate the need to drive home.

4. Follow Safe Holiday Driving Practices

Busy holiday roads increase the risk, so it’s crucial to follow these holiday travel tips for safe driving during this time. While traveling, be mindful of the following holiday driving safety tips:

• Maintain a safe following distance: Icy or wet roads can increase stopping time, so keep extra space between your vehicle and others.
• Avoid distractions: Holiday travel safety means focusing on the road. Minimize distractions like mobile devices, GPS adjustments, or eating while driving.
• Use headlights appropriately: Turn on your headlights at dusk, during rainy weather, or in foggy conditions to help other drivers see you.
• Stay within speed limits: Speed limits are set with safety in mind. Winter weather and heavy traffic require extra caution, so drive at a speed that’s appropriate for road conditions.

5. Be Mindful of Fatigue

Holiday travel often involves long hours on the road or even late-night driving to meet tight schedules. Fatigue is a serious risk, especially when combined with winter weather conditions. These holiday traveling safety tips can help prevent drowsy driving:

• Take regular breaks: Stop every two hours or so to stretch, use the restroom, and grab a snack.
• Switch drivers if possible: Sharing the driving responsibilities reduces the risk of fatigue for everyone.
• Don’t push through exhaustion: If you’re feeling drowsy, pull over and rest. Sleeping in a safe, well-lit area for even 20 minutes can refresh you enough to continue driving.

6. Consider a Personal Breathalyzer or Voluntary IID Installation for Extra Accountability

For those with a history of self-control struggles regarding drinking, tools like an ignition interlock device (IID) or a personal breathalyzer can provide added safety and accountability:

• Voluntarily install an IID from Intoxalock for extra assurance. An IID prevents your car from starting if alcohol is detected on your breath, giving you peace of mind before heading out.
• Use a personal breathalyzer like the Keepr to check your Breath Alcohol Content (BrAC) before driving. Portable and easy to use, this device helps you verify your sobriety on the go.
• Choose the right device for your needs. If knowing when you’re over the limit is all the prompting you need to make the right decision, a personal breathalyzer or interlock device may help. If you’re concerned about your ability to make the right decision when you are drunk, you might need to voluntarily install an IID.

7. Practice Defensive Driving

Other drivers may not be as careful or prepared as you are. Practicing defensive driving is among the best holiday travel tips for staying safe amidst holiday traffic. Here are some holiday travel safety tips focused on staying alert and defensive:

• Anticipate other drivers’ actions: Look out for drivers who may be distracted, intoxicated, or speeding, especially near popular holiday destinations.
• Stay out of other vehicles’ blind spots: Especially for large vehicles like trucks, which take longer to stop and may not see smaller vehicles.
• Avoid road rage: Crowded roads can lead to frustration, but aggressive driving only increases your risk of an accident. If you encounter an aggressive driver, stay calm and avoid retaliating.

8. Prepare for Winter Weather

Winter weather brings unique challenges, making holiday travel tips especially useful for staying safe on icy or snowy roads. Snow, ice, and wind can make roads hazardous, so use these holiday travel safety tips to be prepared:

• Adjust your speed: Drive slower when roads are slippery or visibility is poor. Slower speeds give you more control and reaction time.
• Accelerate and brake gently: Sudden changes in speed can cause skidding on icy roads. Instead, accelerate slowly and brake gradually.
• Use winter tires if necessary: Winter tires offer better traction on snowy or icy roads than all-season tires.
• Stay updated on weather alerts: Local weather apps and radio stations can provide up-to-date road condition warnings.

9. Make Technology Part of Your Travel Safety Plan

Modern technology can add a layer of safety to your holiday travel plans. Make the most of these options:

• Use GPS for traffic updates: Many GPS apps offer real-time traffic updates and can reroute you around congestion or accidents.
• Enable weather alerts: Apps can keep you informed about severe weather conditions or other potential road hazards.
• Download a roadside assistance app: Services like AAA offer apps that can help you access roadside assistance in case of breakdowns or emergencies.

10. Communicate Your Plans

Letting someone know your travel plans can provide added security during holiday journeys:

• Share your itinerary with family or friends: Let them know when you’re leaving, your planned route, and expected arrival times.
• Check in regularly: If your trip involves multiple stops or a long route, touch base with loved ones to update them on your progress.

Enjoy the Holidays Safely

Safe transportation planning, along with following these holiday travel tips, is crucial for a stress-free holiday season. These holiday travel safety tips can help ensure that your holiday memories are filled with joy, not with mishaps. By planning ahead, following safety guidelines, and staying flexible with travel options, you’re ready for a safe, enjoyable journey during the holidays.

This holiday season, make safety your top priority – so you can spend less time worrying and more time celebrating with friends, family, and all the festivities that make this time of year truly special.

If you need an IID for the safety of yourself and everyone else who shares the road, choose Intoxalock for the highest-rated and most-installed IID in the U.S. Call now to schedule your installation, and get back on the road today.