Though Thanksgiving 2013 is already in the books, the upcoming Christmas and New Year’s holidays will see a spike in travel around the State of Texas. The reality is that most have family scattered across the state (and country), and the Holiday Season is intended to be spent with loved ones. How do you avoid all of the hassle and stress associated with travelling in a confined space for such a period of time? We are all different, especially when it comes to road travel, but here are a few tips that should help you retain sanity throughout the remainder of the year.
- Be sure to leave early – Congestion on Texas highways and interstates will reach maximum capacity around this time, so to save yourself (and your family) the headache of car horns and obscene gestures by allotting 20-30 minutes more than you had initially planned.
- Know your route – The advent of GPS devices have been a great resource for drivers, but not all are exactly spot on with directions. Before you pack in the car to head to your destination, make certain that you have the safest, least time consuming route.
- Stay off your phone – Though possibly the most obvious, when you are driving refrain from using your phone. If you must use your phone for directional purposes, allow your co-pilot to serve in this function.
- Stay alert – Road conditions can vary regionally, so be sure to keep up with your inclement weather updates. When driving, also be aware of other motorists and obstacles.
- Don’t get too stressed – The kids are in the back seat asking “Are we there yet?” Traffic is bumper-to-bumper, and you are running late. This is going to be typical, but don’t let the stress ruin your day – it makes for poor driving.
- Make your ride enjoyable – Play “I Spy,” listen to some holiday music, stop at a coffee stand for hot cocoa – whatever the case, it will make the ride must more pleasant.
These are simply a few of the ways to stay safe while travelling over the Holiday Season. Perhaps most importantly, though, is to NEVER get behind the wheel after you have had too much alcohol (obviously). We can guarantee that if you follow these precautions, you’re road trip will run along smoothly. We cannot guarantee that grandpa will stay awake through dessert, however.
